Nnadozie Warns Super Falcons Against Mistakes in WAFCON Title Defence

(Chiamaka Nnadozie. Photo Credit: Leadership News)

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has called on her teammates to stay fully focused throughout the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), warning that Nigeria cannot afford any missteps as they seek to defend their continental crown.

The Brighton goalkeeper emphasised the need to take the tournament one match at a time as the nine-time African champions chase a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, alongside qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Speaking to NFF Media, the reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year said the team would guard against overconfidence undermining their ambitions.

“We will take it one match at a time because we cannot afford to stumble at any stage as a result of over-confidence,” Nnadozie said.

“We will be focused squarely on the double targets of securing a FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket and retaining the trophy.”

The 24-year-old also downplayed concerns surrounding the tournament’s expanded format, which will feature 16 teams for the first time, insisting that the Super Falcons remain fully prepared for the challenge.

“That will make the tournament more competitive, but we are calm and focused regardless of the number of teams in the finals,” she added.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C and will open their title defence against Malawi on July 28, before taking on Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5.

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted in Morocco from July 26 to August 16.

Meanwhile, additional members of the Super Falcons squad including experienced defender Osinachi Ohale, defender Michelle Alozie, and forward Uchenna Kanu are expected to join the team’s training camp in the coming days as preparations for the tournament continue to gather pace.