Former Super Falcons midfielder Rita Nwadike has backed Nigeria to make history at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), insisting the reigning African champions have the quality and experience needed to lift a record-extending 11th continental title.
The Super Falcons head into WAFCON 2026 as the team to beat after winning their 10th African title in the previous edition. With the tournament returning to Morocco, where Nigeria defeated the hosts to claim continental glory, expectations are once again high around the Nigerian women’s national team.
For Nwadike, however, the pressure should not overshadow the quality within the squad.
Speaking on the MTN Super Falcons Show, the former Nigeria international described the Super Falcons as the biggest team in African women’s football and praised the blend of experienced players, emerging talents and the technical team.
“The Super Falcons remain the biggest team in women’s football in Africa. They have quality players, experienced professionals and a good technical crew,” Nwadike said.
The former midfielder believes Nigeria’s chances of retaining the WAFCON title will depend heavily on the team’s ability to remain focused and play as a united group.
“I believe they can successfully defend the title if they stay focused and play as a team,” she added.
That message could prove crucial as Nigeria prepares for another demanding campaign. African women’s football has continued to grow, with more teams becoming increasingly competitive and closing the gap on the continent’s traditional powerhouses.
The Super Falcons, though, still carry a unique weight of history.
Nigeria’s record in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations remains unmatched, and the team’s long-standing dominance has created an expectation that every tournament should end with another trophy. For the current generation, the challenge is to turn that expectation into another memorable chapter.
Nwadike also reminded the players that wearing the Super Falcons shirt comes with a responsibility that goes beyond individual performances.
“Representing Nigeria comes with great responsibility, but I know these girls understand what is at stake. They should believe in themselves, give everything on the pitch and make the country proud,” she said.
Her comments come at a time when the Super Falcons are preparing for a tournament with more than just continental glory at stake. The 2026 WAFCON also carries major significance in the race for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, making success in Morocco even more important for Nigeria.
For head coach Justine Madugu and his players, the mission is therefore clear: defend the African crown, maintain Nigeria’s dominance and secure another place on the world stage.
The Super Falcons will need more than individual brilliance to achieve that goal. They will need the experience of their established stars, the energy of their younger players and the tactical discipline of the coaching staff to work together.
Nwadike’s confidence reflects the belief that Nigeria has all the ingredients required to go all the way. But football has a way of punishing teams that rely solely on reputation.
The Super Falcons may be the team everyone wants to beat, but that is exactly what makes the challenge exciting.
If Nigeria can stay united, handle the pressure and maintain the focus that has defined their greatest moments, the dream of a record 11th WAFCON title could become reality.
For the Super Falcons, history is once again calling. And this time, the target is number 11.
