Falcons to play pre-WAFCON tourney in Abidjan News

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Falcons to play pre-WAFCON tourney in Abidjan

By Daily Sports Nigeria on January 28, 2026

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin their build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by competing in a four-nation West African tournament scheduled to hold in Abidjan later this month, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The team has confirmed participation in the invitational competition, which is organised by the West African Football Union B and will run from February 27 to March 7, 2026 in Ivory Coast.

The tournament will feature four teams that have all qualified for WAFCON 2026, with hosts Ivory Coast joined by Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.

The mini-tournament is expected to serve as a final competitive test for the teams, ending just ten days before the start of the WAFCON finals in Morocco.

The continental showpiece will be staged from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

It is understood that head coach Justine Madugu has already submitted a provisional squad list, which is expected to be released through official channels in the coming days.

At WAFCON 2026, Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and debutants Malawi.

The meeting with Zambia renews a recent rivalry, following Nigeria’s emphatic 5–0 win over the Copper Queens during last year’s tournament, which ended with a dramatic final victory over Morocco.

Egypt return to the finals following the expansion of the competition to 16 teams, while Malawi will make their first appearance at the tournament.

The 2026 edition will be staged across four venues in Rabat, Casablanca and Fez, with the four semi-finalists securing automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria will head into the WAFCON as the most successful side in history, having lifted the title a record ten times.

Source Punch Ng

Posted January 28, 2026