With the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set to take place in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, General Manager of Utility Sports FC, Lawal Abiodun, has urged the Super Falcons to raise their performance levels if they hope to successfully defend their continental crown.
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The Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team with 10 WAFCON titles, will head to Morocco as defending champions. However, Abiodun believes the competition has become far more competitive, warning that Nigeria cannot afford to rely on past achievements.
Speaking exclusively to Sports247, the football administrator said the Falcons must approach the tournament with greater intensity and tactical discipline.
“The Super Falcons should be careful in this coming WAFCON tournament because they were lucky in the last edition,” Abiodun said.
“This is a different ball game now in 2026, and they should come with their A-game and the best version of themselves if they want to be crowned champions once again.”
Abiodun also called on the coaching crew to prioritize discipline and tactical awareness, stressing that those qualities will be crucial against Africa’s rapidly improving teams.
“The coach should instill discipline and tactical awareness into the team. That will be very important throughout the tournament,” he added.
The Utility Sports FC boss further recommended a balanced squad selection, encouraging the technical crew to blend experienced players with younger, more dynamic talents capable of making an impact in the attacking third.
“He should also mix the team with a few experienced players and focus more on quick and decisive players in the final third.”
According to Abiodun, Nigeria’s status as Africa’s most decorated women’s football nation means every opponent will be highly motivated to defeat the Super Falcons.
“Many countries will double their efforts whenever they are playing against Nigeria, and it is going to be tough for us.”
As the countdown to WAFCON 2026 continues, expectations remain high for the Super Falcons to defend their title. However, Abiodun believes only a disciplined, tactically sound, and determined Nigerian side can navigate the increasingly competitive African women’s football landscape and reclaim the continental crown in Morocco.
