Babajide Targets WAFCON Glory, World Cup Qualification with Super Falcons

Super Falcons forward Omorinsola Babajide has reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to retain their continental crown and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Nigeria, under the guidance of Justine Madugu, will head to Morocco aiming to win a record-extending 11th WAFCON title when the tournament kicks off later this month.

The 2026 WAFCON also serves as the qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a competition in which the Super Falcons have featured in every edition since its inception in 1991.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the AS Roma Women attacker said the team is fully focused on lifting the trophy while ensuring Nigeria books another World Cup ticket.

“For us as a team, whether we are playing just to be crowned champions of Africa or for qualification to next year’s World Cup, the pressure is the same as we want to win,” Babajide told the Nigeria Football Federation.

She added that the only pressure the players feel is the one they place on themselves, stressing that defending their title is a responsibility they willingly embrace as professionals.

The Super Falcons will begin their title defence against Malawi women's national football team at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on July 28 before taking on Zambia women's national football team and Egypt women's national football team in the remaining Group C fixtures.

Opinion

Babajide's comments reflect the winning mentality that has defined the Super Falcons for decades. For Nigeria, merely qualifying for major tournaments has never been the benchmark—lifting trophies has.

However, the competition has become far more competitive in recent years, with nations such as Zambia, Morocco and South Africa investing heavily in women's football. That means Nigeria cannot rely solely on history or reputation.

If the Super Falcons combine their experience with tactical discipline and consistency, they have every chance of defending their African title. Success in Morocco would not only reinforce Nigeria's dominance on the continent but also send a strong message ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.