Ikpeba Backs Super Falcons As Favourites For 2026 WAFCON

Former Nigerian international and African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has thrown his weight behind the Super Falcons, insisting they remain the outright favourites to claim glory at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football, Ikpeba highlighted the depth of talent at Nigeria’s disposal, pointing to the growing number of players featuring for top clubs across Europe, North America, and beyond.

He argued that no other African nation can match the Falcons’ pedigree when it comes to exporting elite female footballers.

“We are always the team to beat,” Ikpeba declared. He went on to praise the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for finally arranging high-quality warm-up matches, after months of failed attempts to secure friendly games ahead of the tournament. The NFF has confirmed back‑to‑back friendlies against Senegal, to be played in Remo within a three‑day window.

“Kudos to the NFF. I said it months ago – it was never intentional. They will do what is right for our girls to go out there and defend their title,” Ikpeba said. He noted that the two matches against Senegal offer a crucial opportunity to sharpen the team’s fitness and cohesion before the WAFCON kicks off on 25 July.

“At the end of the day, our girls are everywhere – in Europe and America. Not every African country has the pedigree of having their girls play abroad. Nigeria is spoilt for choice with those girls who are spread around the world.”

The Super Falcons, record nine‑time African champions, are aiming to retain their continental crown in 2026, and Ikpeba believes the recent friendly arrangements have removed the last major obstacle to a successful title defence.