WAFCON 2026: World Cup Qualification Raises Stakes, Says Super Falcons Star Babajide

Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide says the opportunity to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup will provide extra motivation for Nigeria as the team prepares to defend its Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.

The 2026 tournament, scheduled to hold from 26 July to 16 August, has been expanded from 12 to 16 teams, with World Cup qualification also at stake.

Speaking to thenff.com, the AS Roma forward said the expanded format would make the competition even more exciting, but insisted the Super Falcons’ primary objective remains retaining their African crown.

“I think it makes it more exciting. We all know that this year’s Women’s AFCON is also for qualification to the World Cup finals. Of course, we all want to be there. I think it will make it more competitive, but for us, the goal remains the same,” Babajide said.

The reigning Italian Serie A Femminile champion added that the pressure on the defending champions would be no different, regardless of the additional incentive of World Cup qualification.

“For us as a team, whether we are playing just to be crowned champions of Africa or for qualification to next year’s World Cup, the pressure is the same because we want to win. The only pressure actually is the one we put on ourselves. We know what we signed up for as professionals and, being the defending champions, we want to retain our trophy.”

Babajide, who was part of the Super Falcons squad that reclaimed the WAFCON title in Morocco last year, also reflected on her football journey, crediting both England and Nigeria for shaping her career.

She said the football education she received in England laid a strong technical foundation, while representing Nigeria had instilled resilience and professionalism.

“I’ve been blessed to have the best of two worlds. England helped me develop my game from age-grade football, and I will always be grateful for that. I have continued to grow as an experienced player with Nigeria, and I do not take this for granted.

“I have learnt resilience and professionalism in both environments, and these make me a better player and a better person. We know what it takes to win and, as a team, we will give it our all in Morocco to retain the trophy. We are all determined to make Nigeria proud.”

The Super Falcons will head to Morocco aiming to successfully defend the continental title while securing one of Africa’s qualification places for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.