WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons face Zambia, Egypt, Malawi in Group C
Defending champions and nine-time winners of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Nigeria have been drawn into Group C of the 2026 tournament following the official draw held on Wednesday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.
The 2026 edition marks a historic milestone for African women’s football, as WAFCON expands to 16 teams for the first time, signalling the competition’s growing stature across the continent.
Nigeria will contest Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, setting up a series of intriguing match-ups as the Falcons begin their title defence.
Zambia, runners-up at WAFCON 2024, bring pace, power and attacking flair through the Copper Queens, who have developed a fierce rivalry with Nigeria in recent years.
Egypt return to the continental stage after an impressive qualification campaign, offering defensive discipline and a new generation of emerging talent.
Malawi, making their debut at this level, arrive as underdogs but will be eager to upset established powers with their resilient, high-energy style.
The expanded format promises a more competitive group stage, with increased opportunities for emerging nations to make an impact.
Scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026, across multiple venues in Morocco, WAFCON 2026 also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists automatically securing World Cup berths, adding significant stakes to every knockout-round fixture.
