Super Falcons forward Chiwendu Ihezuo has said Nigeria’s priority at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is to successfully defend their title and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The defending champions will head to Morocco aiming to win a record-extending 11th WAFCON title. The tournament’s four semi-finalists will also earn automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Speaking ahead of the competition, Ihezuo admitted that this year’s tournament would be more competitive because of the added incentive of World Cup qualification.

“This tournament will be tougher because every team will be fighting for a place at the World Cup. As defending champions, we cannot afford to be overconfident,” she said.

The Super Falcons will fine-tune preparations with an international friendly against Ghana’s Black Queens in Casablanca on Saturday.

Nigeria will begin their WAFCON 2026 campaign against Malawi’s Scorchers at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday, August 28.