The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national women’s football team and reigning champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), are gearing up for their qualification campaign for the 2026 edition of the tournament. Their journey begins with a two-legged showdown against Benin Republic in the final qualification round. Fresh off their record-extending tenth WAFCON title in Morocco last year, the team, led by coach Justin Madugu, is determined to secure their place in the biennial competition. The first leg will be hosted by Benin, with the return fixture taking place in Nigeria. Both matches are scheduled to be played within the FIFA international window between October 20th and 28th.
Benin Republic earned their spot in the final qualifying round after a decisive 5-2 aggregate victory over Sierra Leone. Their path to this stage involved a 2-1 away win in the first leg, followed by a commanding 3-1 performance in the second leg. Notably, both matches were played on neutral grounds due to the lack of CAF-approved stadiums in either Benin or Sierra Leone. This logistical challenge underscores the ongoing development of football infrastructure within the region, a crucial aspect for the growth of the sport. Their victory against Sierra Leone positions them as a potential hurdle for the Super Falcons, albeit one that the Nigerian team is expected to overcome given their historical dominance in African women’s football.
The stakes are high in the final qualification round, as the winners of the eleven fixtures will join hosts Morocco in the 2026 WAFCON tournament. The competition, slated for March 2026, offers a direct pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted by Brazil. The four semi-finalists of the WAFCON tournament will automatically qualify for the World Cup, giving added significance to the qualifying matches. This direct qualification route provides a significant incentive for teams competing in the WAFCON, as it guarantees participation in the prestigious global tournament. The Super Falcons, with their history of success in WAFCON, will be aiming to secure one of these coveted spots.
The CAF region is allocated six slots in total for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In addition to the four automatic slots for the WAFCON semi-finalists, two more spots will be contested through a play-off tournament, mirroring the qualification process for the 2023 World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. This play-off system provides a second chance for teams that fall short in the WAFCON semi-finals to still qualify for the World Cup. It adds another layer of competition and ensures a wider representation of African teams on the global stage. The 2027 World Cup in Brazil will be the final edition featuring 32 teams, as the tournament will expand to 48 teams for the 2031 edition, further increasing the opportunities for African nations to participate.
For the Super Falcons, the upcoming qualifiers represent not just a chance to defend their continental title, but also a step towards securing a place in the 2027 World Cup. As reigning African champions, they carry the weight of expectation and will be under pressure to perform. Their experience and pedigree make them favorites against Benin Republic, but they will need to approach the matches with focus and determination. Coach Justin Madugu will be tasked with ensuring the team is adequately prepared for the challenge and selects a squad capable of navigating the two-legged tie successfully. The matches against Benin Republic will provide a valuable opportunity to assess the team’s current form and identify any areas needing improvement before the main tournament.
The Super Falcons’ journey to the 2026 WAFCON and potentially the 2027 World Cup begins with these crucial qualifiers. Their success in these matches will set the tone for their campaign and determine their chances of continuing their reign as African champions. The two-legged encounter against Benin Republic provides a platform for the Super Falcons to demonstrate their dominance and reaffirm their position as one of the leading women’s football teams in Africa. Their performance will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike, as they look to maintain their winning streak and secure their place among the world’s elite in women’s football. The qualifiers also represent an opportunity for the team to build momentum and gain valuable match experience ahead of the demanding challenges that lie ahead.
