Nnadozie anticipates WAFCON surprises

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Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has warned that there will be no easy opponents at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that the era of so-called minnows in African women’s football is over, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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As Nigeria intensify preparations for the tournament in Morocco, the reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year believes every team is capable of causing an upset and has urged her teammates to approach every game with maximum respect.

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“I don’t share the belief that any group is tougher than the others. Honestly, right now in Africa, there are no longer minnows,” Nnadozie said.

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“There will be a lot of surprises in this tournament as the so-called small teams will be keen to prove they are no pushovers, so all teams deserve respect and must be taken seriously.

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“For us, we know what we are going for: the Cup and the World Cup ticket. It will not be easy, but we are the Super Falcons of Nigeria!”

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Preparations for the continental showpiece gathered momentum on Monday as players began arriving at the team’s training camp in Casablanca ahead of a week-long programme in nearby Mohammedia.

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Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, defenders Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo, midfielder Christy Ucheibe, goalkeeper Fatima Oloko and Nnadozie were among the early arrivals.

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The training camp will allow head coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew to fine-tune tactics, improve team chemistry and ensure the players attain peak fitness before the team moves to Rabat for the tournament.

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Nigeria will head into the competition, scheduled for July 26 to August 16, aiming to defend their continental title, extend their record to 11 WAFCON crowns and secure one of Africa’s qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

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More members of Madugu’s 25-player squad, including Osinachi Ohale, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne, Michelle Alozie, Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Esther Okoronkwo, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Omorinsola Babajide, Gift Monday and Uchenna Kanu, are expected to arrive in camp in the coming days.

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Drawn in Group C, the Super Falcons will open their title defence against Malawi on July 28 before facing Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5 as they bid for another successful campaign on the continent.

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