Babajide sets sights on African women's championship title and FIFA World Cup qualification

n n

Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide says qualification for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup will serve as extra motivation for Nigeria as the defending champions prepare for the expanded 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

n

The tournament, scheduled to hold from July 25 to August 16, will feature 16 teams for the first time, up from 12, with places at the next FIFA Women’s World Cup also at stake.

n

Speaking to the Nigerian Football Federation, the AS Roma Women winger said the expanded format would make the competition more competitive, although Nigeria’s ambition remains to successfully defend their continental title.

n

“I think it makes it more exciting. We all know that this year’s Women AFCON is also for qualification to the World Cup finals. Of course, we all want to be there. I think it will make it more competitive but for us, the goal remains the same,” Babajide said.

n

“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. The only pressure actually is the one we put on ourselves. We know what we signed up for as professionals and being the defending champions, we want to retain our trophy.”

n

Babajide, who was part of the Super Falcons squad that reclaimed the continental crown in Morocco last year, said her football journey in England and Nigeria has helped shape her into a better player.

n

“I’ve been blessed to have the best of two worlds. England helped me develop my game from age-grade football; I am forever grateful for that.”

n

I have continued to grow as an experienced player with Nigeria and I do not take this for granted,” she said.

n

The 27-year-old added that the experiences gained in both countries had taught her resilience and professionalism.

n

“I have learnt resilience and professionalism in both environments and these make me a better player and a better person. We know what it takes to win and as a team, we will give it our all in Morocco to retain the trophy. We are all determined to make Nigeria proud in Morocco.”

n

The Super Falcons will head to Morocco seeking to defend the title they won last year while also pursuing qualification for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.

n

For this year’s WAFCON, Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt. Coach Justine Madugu’s side will begin their campaign against tournament debutants Malawi in Rabat on Tuesday, July 28.

n n