Chinwendu Ihezuo is back, fit and carrying a warning for anyone who thinks defending the Women Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco will be straightforward, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Falcons striker, who plays her club football for Pachuca Tuzas in Mexico, has been sidelined by injury for months but is now ready to join Justine Madugu’s squad in Casablanca as Nigeria open their WAFCON 2026 preparations. Her return comes at the right time. Nigeria open their title defence against Malawi on July 28, and the stakes this year are higher than they have ever been.
WAFCON 2026 doubles as Africa’s qualifying pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification for the global showpiece. That changes everything about how every team will approach the tournament, and Ihezuo knows it better than most.
The Super Falcons are the only African nation to have featured at every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, a record they are determined to keep alive in Morocco. Losing that streak is simply not an option.
Speaking via the NFF official website, Ihezuo drew a direct line between last year’s tournament and what is coming.
“This tournament will be tougher, much tougher,” she said.
“Last year, there was no FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket to fight for. When the first blast of the whistle goes on 26th July, the focus of all the teams will be on the World Cup ticket. As defending champions, we cannot afford to be over-confident.”
Nigeria face a tough group, with Malawi, Zambia and Egypt in Group C, before a likely knockout run that could bring them up against Morocco, South Africa, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire.
The expanded 16-team format, new to the tournament this year, also means more teams, more competition and fewer margins for error.
Ihezuo did not let the challenge dampen her belief, however.
“I believe in the team that we have, the oneness amongst us, our hard work, and the courage that keeps us going. We are not only going for a World Cup ticket but also to retain the Cup,” she said.
On her fitness, the news is good.
“God has been great and I give Him all the glory. I am now healed and fully recovered. My club is in pre-season, but I am ready to fly to Morocco and team up with the Super Falcons to make Nigeria proud.”
Nigeria have already opened camp in Casablanca, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala and Chiamaka Nnadozie among those who came in early for the first training session at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli on Tuesday. Ihezuo’s return to the fold gives Madugu another option up front as the Falcons chase a record-extending 11th continental title.
