Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie believes the expansion of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to 16 teams will raise the level of competition as Nigeria prepares to defend its continental title in Morocco.
The reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, who has won the award for three consecutive years, said the increased number of participating nations would make the tournament more challenging but insisted the Super Falcons remain focused on their objectives.
Speaking to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Nnadozie said the nine-time African champions would approach the competition one match at a time to avoid complacency.
“We will take it one match at a time because we cannot afford to stumble at any stage as a result of over-confidence. We will be focused squarely on the double targets of a FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket and retaining the trophy,” she said.
The 24-year-old shot-stopper welcomed the expansion of the tournament from 12 to 16 teams, noting that it would increase the quality and intensity of the competition.
“It is interesting to have more teams at the finals. That will make the tournament more competitive, but we are calm and focused regardless of the number of teams in the competition.”
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi for the championship, which will run from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco.
Despite suggestions that some groups are stronger than others, Nnadozie dismissed such claims, insisting that there are no easy opponents in African women’s football anymore.
“I don’t share the belief that any group is tougher than the others. Honestly, right now in Africa, there are no longer minnows.
There will be a lot of surprises in this tournament as the so-called small teams will be keen to prove they are no push-overs, so all teams deserve respect and must be taken seriously.”
She reaffirmed the team’s ambition of retaining the continental crown while also securing qualification for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“For us, we know what we are going for: the Cup and the World Cup ticket. It will not be easy, but we are the Super Falcons of Nigeria!”
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