Former Super Falcons head coach Edwin Okon has cautioned Nigeria’s players against relying solely on their talent as they prepare to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.
The 2026 WAFCON, which kicks off this Saturday, doubles as Africa’s qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Nigeria head into the competition as the defending champions and 10-time winners of the tournament, extending their record as the most successful nation in the history of African women’s football.
Despite the Super Falcons’ impressive pedigree, Okon believes success will depend on preparation, discipline and hard work rather than reputation.
“The players in the squad are talented, but talent alone is not enough. Success will come through proper preparation, discipline and hard work,” Okon said.
The veteran coach, who guided Nigeria to the 2014 African Women’s Championship title, noted that the gap between the continent’s leading teams has narrowed significantly, making complacency a dangerous approach.
“Football has changed. We’ve seen so many upsets in recent competitions, and that shows no team can afford to be complacent anymore,” he added.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, with the Super Falcons aiming to retain the continental crown they won in dramatic fashion against hosts Morocco in the previous edition.
Okon expressed confidence in the quality available to head coach Justine Madugu, but stressed that the players must remain focused throughout the tournament, particularly in the knockout stages where the smallest mistakes can prove costly.
The former national team coach also urged the players to embrace the expectations that come with representing Nigeria, insisting that every opponent will be motivated to dethrone the reigning African champions.
The Super Falcons will open their title defence this weekend, with the tournament presenting an opportunity to secure an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title and one of Africa’s qualification places for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
