Nnadozie anticipates WAFCON surprises

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has issued a strong warning ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, asserting that no opponent should be underestimated. Nnadozie, the reigning African Women's Goalkeeper of the Year, believes the gap in talent across African women's football has narrowed significantly, making the days of easy matches a thing of the past.

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I don’t share the belief that any group is tougher than the others. Honestly, right now in Africa, there are no longer minnows.

"Honestly, right now in Africa, there are no longer minnows," Nnadozie stated. "There will be a lot of surprises in this tournament as the so-called small teams will be keen to prove they are no pushovers, so all teams deserve respect and must be taken seriously." She urged her teammates to approach every game with maximum respect and focus as they aim to defend their continental title.

Nigeria is currently in the midst of intensive preparations for the tournament, which will be held in Morocco. Players have begun arriving at the team's training camp in Casablanca for a week-long program before moving to Mohammedia. Early arrivals include captain Rasheedat Ajibade, six-time CAF Women's Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, defenders Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran, and Shukurat Oladipo, midfielder Christy Ucheibe, goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, and Nnadozie herself.

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There will be a lot of surprises in this tournament as the so-called small teams will be keen to prove they are no pushovers, so all teams deserve respect and must be taken seriously.

Head coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew will use the training camp to refine tactics, enhance team chemistry, and ensure players reach peak fitness. The Super Falcons are aiming to secure their 11th WAFCON title and earn one of Africa's qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The team has been drawn in Group C and will face Malawi on July 28, Zambia on August 1, and Egypt on August 5 in their quest for another successful continental campaign.

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For us, we know what we are going for: the Cup and the World Cup ticket. It will not be easy, but we are the Super Falcons of Nigeria!