Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has revealed two priority objectives for the Nigeria women’s national team as they make preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament, Footynaija.com reports.
Madugu led the Super Falcons to a record-extending 10th WAFCON triumph at the 2024 edition in Morocco just about a year ago and later this month, they will have the task of defending their crown when this year’s edition kicks off in Morocco.
Ahead of the tournament, the 62-year-old Super Falcons boss has outlined his side’s two main objectives, and a successful title defense is surprisingly not the main priority.
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“The next WAFCON will also serve as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, so our priority will first be to ensure that we make it to the World Cup,” he told CAF Online.
“The second goal will be to defend the trophy and bring it back to Nigeria.
“We know it won’t be easy because as champions everybody will now be looking at us. We are holding something precious that everybody wants, but we will remain resolute and focused and try as much as possible to achieve both objectives.
“So, there’s a huge burden on us. We need to be careful with what we do wherever we are because we must set a good example and try to be exemplary in everything we do.”
The Super Falcons will only need to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to qualify as one of Africa’s four representatives at the 2027 Women’s World Cup taking place in Brazil next year.
The WAFCON kicks off on July 25th with the Super Falcons due for their opening group stage match three days later against Malawi. Zambia and Egypt will also be Nigeria’s opponents in the group stage.
