Can Anyone Stop Nigeria? Super Falcons Eye Record 11th WAFCON Title as Morocco and South Africa Plot Upset

Nigeria's Super Falcons will begin the defence of their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco this month, with history once again within touching distance. The 14th edition of Africa's premier women's football tournament will see 16 nations compete not only for continental glory but also for qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Justin Madugu's side arrive as defending champions after producing one of the greatest comebacks in WAFCON history, recovering from two goals down to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the 2025 final and claim a record-extending 10th continental crown. Now, the Super Falcons are chasing an unprecedented 11th title.

Nigeria's pedigree in this competition remains undisputed. Since the inaugural tournament in 1991, the Super Falcons have established themselves as the dominant force in African women's football. That remarkable history, coupled with their status as reigning champions, has made them favourites once again despite stern competition from South Africa, Morocco, Zambia, Ghana and Cameroon.

That confidence is shared by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who recently outlined the team's mindset in an Instagram post.

'Being a member of the Super Falcons is a great honour and every time we go out there, I consider it a privilege to lead this team. The energy, the hunger, the fight in every single one of my team-mates this week reminded me exactly why I believe in this team.

'WAFCON is coming. And we are coming with everything we've got to build upon our previous successes.

'To every Super Falcon, thank you for your commitment and dedication. I'm proud of you, and I'm honoured to stand beside you.

'"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." — Philippians 4:13.'

An Era of Dominance

Nigeria's dominance did not happen by chance. When the Confederation of African Football launched the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in 1991, the Super Falcons were already setting the standard while many other nations were still developing their women's programmes.

The inaugural title marked the beginning of an extraordinary era. Led by pioneers such as Mercy Akide, Nigeria won successive championships throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, defeating the continent's strongest sides with remarkable consistency.

Their dominance was briefly interrupted when Equatorial Guinea won the tournament in 2008 and 2012, while South Africa lifted the trophy in 2022. Yet each challenge only reinforced Nigeria's resilience. The Super Falcons repeatedly returned to reclaim their place at the summit of African football.

That rich history explains why every generation of Nigerian players inherits not only the shirt but also the expectation of winning.

Familiar Rivals Stand in Their Way

Although Nigeria remain the benchmark, the gap between Africa's leading teams has narrowed significantly.

South Africa's Banyana Banyana have developed into Nigeria's most consistent rivals, winning the 2022 title after defeating the Super Falcons in the semi-finals before going on to lift their first WAFCON trophy.

Morocco have also emerged as genuine contenders under Jorge Vilda. The Atlas Lionesses reached back-to-back finals on home soil, only to fall short on both occasions. Their latest heartbreak came in Rabat, where they surrendered a 2-0 lead before Nigeria staged a remarkable second-half comeback.

Captain Ghizlaine Chebbak opened the scoring before Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled Morocco's advantage. However, Esther Okoronkwo sparked Nigeria's revival from the penalty spot before setting up Folashade Ijamilusi for the equaliser. Substitute Jennifer Echegini completed the comeback with just two minutes of normal time remaining, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory and Nigeria's 10th WAFCON title.

That defeat still lingers for the hosts, who will be desperate to make home advantage count this time around.

South Africa, meanwhile, also have unfinished business. Having seen their hopes of defending the title ended by Nigeria, Banyana Banyana will once again be among the strongest challengers to the Super Falcons' dominance.

Can Nigeria Make It 11?

While Morocco and South Africa remain the biggest threats, Zambia, Ghana and Cameroon have all continued to strengthen and will fancy their chances of causing an upset.

Even so, Nigeria possess one of the deepest squads on the continent. With the experience of Asisat Oshoala, the creativity of Tony Payne, the defensive quality of Michelle Alozie and the match-winning form of Esther Okoronkwo, the Super Falcons have the talent to continue rewriting African football history.

The challenge facing Nigeria may be greater than ever before, but so too is the opportunity.

An 11th WAFCON title would further cement the Super Falcons' status as the undisputed queens of African football. Standing in their way are a host nation seeking revenge, familiar rivals eager to reclaim the crown and a new generation determined to end one of the greatest dynasties the women's game has ever seen.