Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following Thursday’s final draw held in Rabat, Morocco.

The draw marked a historic milestone for African women’s football, with 16 teams included in the tournament for the first time. Morocco will host the expanded competition for the third consecutive edition, with matches scheduled to run from 17 March to 3 April 2026 across Rabat, Casablanca and Fes.

For Nigeria, the standout fixture in Group C is a renewed rivalry with Zambia’s Copper Queens. The two sides have crossed paths frequently in recent years, but the Super Falcons will head into the clash full of confidence after their dominant 5–0 victory over Zambia in the quarter-finals of the 2024 tournament.

That win formed part of a commanding campaign that saw Nigeria lift a record-extending 10th WAFCON title. The Falcons went on to defeat South Africa in the semi-finals before staging a thrilling comeback against hosts Morocco in the final to reclaim continental supremacy.

Egypt and Malawi complete Group C, presenting Nigeria with a blend of familiar foes and potential challenges. While the group appears favourable for the reigning champions, it leaves little margin for complacency.

In other groups, hosts Morocco lead Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya. Group B features former champions South Africa with Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, while Group D pairs Ghana with Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde.

The tournament will be staged across four venues: Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium and Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, and the Fez Stadium in Fes.

Madugu Snub Adds Extra Motivation

Away from the draw, Nigeria also experienced disappointment on the awards front. Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu missed out on the CAF Women’s Coach of the Year award, despite masterminding Nigeria’s historic 10th WAFCON triumph. The honour went to TP Mazembe coach Lamia Boumehdi, with Madugu and Morocco’s Jorge Vilda named as finalists.

The decision has sparked debate, particularly given Madugu’s wider achievements, including being the only African coach nominated for the Women’s Coach of the Year at the Ballon d’Or.

CAF also crowned Moroccan forward Sanaa Mssoudy as Women’s Interclub Player of the Year, while AS FAR were named Women’s Club of the Year.

Despite the personal setback, Madugu and the Super Falcons will now turn their full focus to the pitch, as Nigeria targets qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title.