Super Falcons to get more competition as CAF increase WAFCON to 16 teams

CAF has confirmed that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will expand from 12 to 16 teams starting with the next edition in March, bringing even more competition for reigning champions Nigeria.

The tournament, set to be held in Morocco, will now feature additional nations, including Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Mali, sides who initially missed out but earned qualification as the best-ranked losing teams.

The decision marks a major step in the development of women’s football across the continent, ensuring more teams gain elite tournament exposure.

With Morocco hosting again, and the competition serving as a qualifying pathway to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, the stakes are higher than ever.

Traditional powerhouses like South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia have also qualified, meaning the Super Falcons will face a deeper field of contenders chasing continental glory.

Yet confidence within the Nigerian camp remains sky-high. Forward Esther Okoronkwo, who played a key role in the qualifiers with a goal and assist against Benin Republic, insists the Falcons are not intimidated.

Speaking after securing qualification, she boldly declared that Nigeria are focused on lifting a record-extending 11th WAFCON title. “We’re not going there to not want to win… We want to win the 11th for sure,” she said, reinforcing the team’s winning mentality.

Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football is unmatched, with 10 titles from 13 tournaments and qualification for every Women’s World Cup to date.

Their dramatic 2025 triumph over hosts Morocco, where Okoronkwo earned Player of the Match honours, showcased their resilience and star power.

But with CAF’s expansion, rising nations will be eager to challenge the crown, making this edition arguably the most competitive yet.

Still, if history is anything to go by, the Super Falcons are entering Morocco to conquer once again, setting their sights squarely on continental supremacy and another chapter in their legendary WAFCON story.