The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) gets underway in Morocco on Sunday, with World Cup qualification and a record-breaking $2 million winners' prize at stake.
Expanded to 16 teams for the first time, the tournament promises to be the biggest edition yet. Defending champions Nigeria arrive as favourites, aiming to secure an 11th continental title while also booking one of Africa's four automatic places at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
The Super Falcons return after one of the most dramatic finals in WAFCON history. Two goals down against hosts Morocco at half-time in the previous tournament, Nigeria completed a stunning comeback to win 3-2, with Jennifer Echegini scoring the decisive late goal.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Echegini is back for another campaign alongside Esther Okoronkwo, who plays in Canada, and China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi, both of whom also found the net in that memorable final.
Head coach Justine Madugu has made World Cup qualification his immediate objective.
"Our first goal is to reach the semi-finals and secure World Cup qualification," Madugu said.
"Our second goal is to defend the trophy and bring it back to Nigeria. We know it won't be easy because every nation wants to take it from us."
Nigeria's 25-player squad blends experienced internationals with emerging talent from leagues across Mexico, Israel and China. Fatima Oloko of Abia Angels is the only home-based player selected.
The squad will be without Ashleigh Plumptre, who misses the tournament through injury. The England-born defender, now with Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad, was part of Nigeria's title-winning team.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead the Super Falcons, while Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is widely regarded as one of Africa's finest players.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside:
Zambia possess one of the tournament's most dangerous attacking duos. Racheal Kundananji, who joined Bay FC in a then world-record transfer in 2024, partners prolific striker Barbra Banda.
Malawi, making only their second WAFCON appearance, will rely on the talented Chawinga sisters. Tabitha Chawinga plays for Lyon, while Temwa Chawinga represents Kansas City Current.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals.
Only three nations have won WAFCON since the tournament began in 1998:
Equatorial Guinea failed to qualify for this edition, while reigning 2022 champions South Africa headline Group B, where they face Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.
Hosts Morocco, runners-up in each of the last two tournaments, begin their campaign in Group A against Algeria, Senegal and Kenya.
Their meeting with Algeria on 30 July is expected to attract significant attention given the long-standing political tensions between the neighbouring nations.
Group D features:
Bronze medallists Ghana and three-time runners-up Cameroon are expected to battle for qualification, while tournament debutants Cape Verde hope to continue the momentum created by the country's recent rise in international football.
A total of 34 matches will be played across five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca.
In addition to the record $2 million prize for the champions, the tournament carries enormous significance with four automatic World Cup qualification places available. Two additional matches between losing quarter-finalists will determine Africa's representatives in the intercontinental World Cup play-offs.
With a stronger field, increased prize money and World Cup places on offer, WAFCON 2026 is set to be the biggest and most competitive edition in the tournament's history.
