Falcons open WAFCON camp July 15

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Record 10-time champions, the Super Falcons, will officially begin the final stage of their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations when they open a week-long training camp in Mohammedia, Morocco, on July 15.

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The Super Falcons are heading to the tournament, which will be held from July 25 to August 16, aiming to defend their title, with a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil also at stake.

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Head coach Justine Madugu is expected to name his final 24-player squad before their departure, having last assembled the team for a double-header friendly against Senegal in June.

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The camp in Mohammedia will serve as the final opportunity for the coaching crew to fine-tune tactics, improve team chemistry and prepare the players physically before they proceed to Rabat.

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Drawn in Group C, Nigeria will begin their title defence against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

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Their second fixture comes against Zambia on Saturday, August 1, at the same venue before they conclude the group stage against Egypt on Wednesday, August 5, at the Olympic Stadium.

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While Nigeria continue their preparations, first opponents Malawi have made an important change to their technical bench ahead of their historic first appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

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The Football Association of Malawi has appointed experienced South African coach Sudesh Singh as the team’s new Technical Adviser, a decision announced just 26 days before the Scorchers face Nigeria in their opening Group C match.

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The appointment was made primarily to satisfy Confederation of African Football coaching regulations. CAF requires every head coach at the tournament to possess a CAF A Coaching Licence.

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Malawi’s current head coach, Lovemore Fazili, does not hold that qualification. As a result, Singh will officially occupy the lead coaching position on the bench during matches, while Fazili will continue to direct team tactics, select the starting line-up and remain in overall charge of the squad throughout the competition.

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FAM also strengthened the team’s backroom staff by appointing Tyrese Steyn as Performance Analyst. His responsibilities will include match analysis, opponent scouting and performance data collection throughout the tournament.

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