Super Falcons Drawn In Tricky Group C For Historic WAFCON 2026

The Nigeria Super Falcons, reigning champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), have been placed in Group C for the 2026 tournament.

The official draw, held yesterday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, sets the stage for a compelling title defence.

This 2026 edition marks a significant milestone for African women’s football, as WAFCON expands to include 16 teams for the first time. This expansion underscores the competition’s growing prominence across the continent.

Nigeria will face Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi in Group C, promising a series of intriguing fixtures. As the top seed (C1) in their group, based on their FIFA ranking and illustrious history, Nigeria enter as favourites. However, they face considerable challenges.

Zambia, who were runners-up at WAFCON 2024, known as the ‘Copper Queens’, bring pace, power, and attacking flair. They have developed a fierce rivalry with Nigeria in recent years. Egypt return to the continental stage after a strong qualification campaign, showcasing defensive discipline and emerging talent. Malawi, making their debut at this level, arrive as underdogs but will be keen to cause an upset with their resilient, high-energy style of play.

Hosts Morocco headline Group A and will Algeria, Senegal and Kenya.

South Africa are drawn in Group B alongside Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, while Group D comprising Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde. Group C, headed by Nigeria, to play in Casablanca.

Scheduled to run from 17th March to 3rd April 2026 across various venues in Morocco, WAFCON 2026 also serves as a crucial qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The four semi-finalists will automatically secure World Cup berths, adding significant stakes to every knockout-round match. Nigeria are aiming for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, having lifted the trophy at the 2024 edition.