Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has warned there will be no easy opponents at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the era of so‑called minnows in African women’s football is over, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
As Nigeria steps up preparations in Morocco, the reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year says any team can cause an upset and wants her teammates to treat every match with respect.
“I don’t share the belief that any group is tougher than the others. Honestly, right now in Africa, there are no longer minnows,” Nnadozie said.
“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.
“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!”
Preparations gathered momentum on Monday as players began arriving at the team’s training camp in Casablanca ahead of a week‑long programme in nearby Mohammedia. Early arrivals included 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.
The camp will let head coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew fine‑tune tactics, build chemistry and get the squad fit before moving to Rabat. Nigeria aim to defend their title, extend their record to 11 WAFCON crowns and win a spot for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
More squad members — Osinachi Ohale, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne, Michelle Alozie, Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Omorinsola Babajide, Gift Monday and Uchenna Kanu — are due in camp in the coming days.
Drawn in Group C, the Super Falcons open against Malawi on July 28, then face Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5.
