Nigeria’s Super Falcons remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team, but their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have left many supporters questioning whether the team is adequately prepared to defend its continental crown.
With less than two weeks before their opening Group C fixture against Malawi, the team’s build-up has been far from ideal.
The first few days of camp in Casablanca painted a worrying picture, with only nine players reporting within the opening three days.
Such a slow turnout disrupted the coaching crew’s plans, limiting meaningful tactical sessions and reducing the opportunity to build cohesion among the players.
Although the camp has gradually improved, arrivals have continued at a trickle rather than in a coordinated manner.
Even after more than a week in camp, several invited players were still expected, leaving the technical crew with limited time to work with a complete squad.
Another concern is the absence of quality friendly matches. The proposed international friendly against Ghana was cancelled, while reports linking the Falcons with a warm-up game against Tanzania never materialised.
Friendly matches are crucial before major tournaments, providing coaches with the opportunity to assess tactics, evaluate player combinations and improve match fitness under competitive conditions.
Instead, much of the public attention has centred on the key players making social media content from camp which questions teams’ focus on the double mission at hand as the WAFCON 2026 also serves as the 2027 World Cup qualifier.
While engaging supporters online is important in modern sports, it should never overshadow the team’s primary objective, ensuring optimal readiness for Africa’s biggest women’s football competition.
The Nigeria Football Federation and the technical crew deserve credit for eventually getting most of the players into camp.
The recent arrivals of Esther Okoronkwo and Uchenna Kanu further strengthen the squad, with only a handful of players still expected.
However, defending a continental title requires meticulous planning and flawless preparation.
Nigeria cannot rely solely on its rich history, reputation or individual brilliance. Other African nations have significantly improved and will punish any lack of preparation.
Head coach Justine Madugu still has time to fine-tune his team, but the margin for error is becoming increasingly slim.
The Super Falcons possess the quality to win an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title, yet success will depend not only on talent but also on how quickly the squad gels before the opening whistle in Morocco.
As the countdown continues, Nigerian fans will hope that the focus shifts from delayed arrivals and missed friendlies to intensive tactical work that can inspire another championship-winning campaign.
