WAFCON 2026: NFF should prioritise Super Falcons - Former Nigerian star

Former Super Falcons striker Patience Avre has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to urgently arrange international friendly matches for the women’s national team ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Avre expressed concern over the team’s prolonged inactivity, noting that the Super Falcons have not played a single international friendly since winning the WAFCON title in July 2025.

With the next WAFCON scheduled for March 2026, Avre warned that the absence of competitive fixtures could negatively affect Nigeria’s chances of defending its crown.

“The Super Falcons’ lack of friendly matches in the last six months is concerning, especially with their title defence looming.

“The NFF should prioritise organising more games to boost their preparation and chances of retaining the title,” Avre said.

Nigeria is a ten-time African champion, but Avre stressed that past success alone is not enough to guarantee future dominance.

“With only three matches played aside from their unbeaten run at WAFCON in July, they must get more playing time,” she added.

The Super Falcons will defend their WAFCON title in Morocco in March 2026, having qualified with a 3–1 aggregate victory over the Benin Republic in October.

Super Falcons were drawn in a formidable Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia, and Malawi.

Beyond continental glory, the tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification.