Ashleigh Plumptre has criticised the decision by the Confederation of African Football to postpone the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

CAF announced on Thursday that the competition will now take place between July 25 and August 16, explaining that the postponement will give both the governing body and the host nation more time to prepare and organise a better tournament.

However, the Nigerian women's national football team defender expressed disappointment over the late decision, questioning why such a change would be made so close to the competition.

“It just wouldn’t happen for other tournaments in women’s football, especially in men’s football,” Plumptre told the BBC.

“The last WAFCON wasn’t less important because it wasn’t a qualification for a World Cup, but obviously this is a chance for teams to qualify for the World Cup.”

“It’s the first time the tournament will have 16 teams, all of which will want the chance to qualify for the World Cup, and that’s a big deal for many teams.

“Many teams haven’t even played at WAFCON before and have never had the opportunity to qualify for a World Cup. It also helps them financially.”

The 2026 edition of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations is set to be moved to July following uncertainty surrounding the initial schedule, Nigeriasoccernet.com understands.

The tournament was originally planned to take place between March 17 and April 3 in Morocco, but preparations and organisational concerns have raised doubts about the competition starting as scheduled.

While the Confederation of African Football has yet to issue an official statement, reports suggest the continental football body has internally decided to postpone the tournament.

According to emerging details, CAF is now considering staging the competition from July 25 to August 16, shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place between June 11 and July 19.

An official announcement regarding the new dates is expected soon from CAF. However, uncertainty still surrounds the host nation.

On Wednesday, Gayton McKenzie, the Sports Minister of South Africa, increased pressure on Morocco by declaring that his country is ready to step in and host the tournament should Morocco decide to withdraw.

Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Nigeria women's national football team, has returned to the country amid lingering uncertainty over the scheduling of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com understands.

The Confederation of African Football is yet to confirm whether the tournament will go ahead as originally planned in Morocco. The competition, which doubles as Africa’s qualification route to the FIFA Women's World Cup, was initially slated to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026. However, with less than two weeks to the proposed kickoff, CAF has not released any formal communication validating the dates.

Key pre-tournament processes, including media accreditation, official announcements, and clear indications of host readiness, have also failed to materialise, further deepening speculation about a possible postponement.

The Super Falcons had initially intended to travel straight from Cameroon to Morocco after concluding their two-legged international friendly matches. That journey was meant to signal the commencement of their official WAFCON training camp.

According to a source close to the squad, the revised travel plan was influenced by the prevailing uncertainty surrounding the tournament.

“The initial plan was for the team to travel from Cameroon to Morocco for the official WAFCON camping. However, due to the uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s postponement, the team was instructed to return home after the match against Cameroon.

“Had the team proceeded directly to Morocco for camping, Anderline and the other players would have joined the squad ahead of the coach’s final selection for the tournament.

“Once it became clear that the team would return after the friendly against Cameroon, there was no justification for traveling with four goalkeepers for a friendly. It is therefore understood that some players were exempted, likely due to their other commitments.”

As of the time of filing this report, CAF has yet to issue an official statement clarifying the status of the tournament, leaving participating nations awaiting further direction.

Reigning African champions Nigeria women's national football team will aim to bounce back when they face the Cameroon women's national football team in the second of their two pre-WAFCON international friendlies on Tuesday at the Military Stadium in Yaounde, NigeriaSoccernet.com gathered.

The Super Falcons fell to a narrow 1–0 defeat in Saturday’s first meeting, conceding deep into stoppage time in what many observers considered a timely wake-up call ahead of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Cameroon, who are drawn in Group D alongside Ghana, Mali, and Cape Verde, sealed victory through a late long-range effort from Yvana Mbomezomo, whose strike beat debutant goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor.

Despite conceding, Erhabor delivered an encouraging performance on her international debut, showing composure and confidence throughout the contest.

Head Coach Justin Madugu introduced several second-half substitutes in search of an equaliser, including Joy Omewa, Precious Christopher, Folashade Ijamilusi, Esther Onyenezide, and Michelle Alozie. However, Cameroon goalkeeper Ange Bawou produced a standout display to keep the Falcons at bay.

Tuesday’s fixture wraps up the two-match arrangement between both football federations as preparations intensify for the continental finals. Madugu is expected to tweak his tactics and possibly rotate his squad in pursuit of a stronger showing.

First-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie could return to the starting lineup, while Alozie may feature from the outset alongside defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, and Glory Ogbonna.

In midfield, options remain plentiful with Onyenezide, Christopher, Christy Ucheibe, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, and Jennifer Echegini all available for selection.

Upfront, captain Rasheedat Ajibade is expected to spearhead the attack, supported by Gift Monday, Rinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Ijamilusi.

With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations fast approaching, the Falcons will see Tuesday’s encounter as a vital opportunity to sharpen their preparations and restore confidence before the tournament kicks off.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered a slight setback in their build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after losing narrowly to Cameroon women's national football team in an international friendly on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The match, staged in Yaoundé, formed part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to be held in Morocco. It proved to be a closely fought contest, with both sides creating chances in a balanced and competitive encounter.

Despite the evenly matched proceedings, it was the hosts who found the breakthrough late on, netting the decisive goal to edge the tie and claim victory in front of their supporters.

For the Super Falcons, the defeat offers valuable lessons as the technical crew continues to assess the squad, refine tactical approaches, and build cohesion ahead of the continental showpiece.

Both sides are expected to face off again next weekend at the same venue as preparations intensify.

Three players initially omitted from the provisional list have now reported to the Super Falcons’ training camp in Yaoundé, increasing the number of players in camp to 17, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Forwards Favour Nwokocha and Esther Onyenezide, alongside defender Kafayat Shittu, were not part of the original 23-player squad unveiled by the Nigeria Football Federation. However, the trio have now linked up with the squad at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Earlier on Thursday, the NFF confirmed the arrival of 17 players, including the three previously unlisted names, as preparations intensify for two international friendly matches against Cameroon’s senior women’s national team. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade is among those already settled in camp.

Both friendly encounters will take place at the Military Stadium in Yaoundé on Saturday, 28 February, and Tuesday, 3 March. The matches form part of preparations for the 14th edition of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to be hosted by Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026.

Nigeria, record 10-time champions and defending title holders, have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and debutants Malawi. The Super Falcons will begin their campaign against Malawi on 18 March in Casablanca. Cameroon, finalists in 2016, are placed in Group D with Ghana, Mali, and debutants Cape Verde, and will open their tournament against Mali in Fes.

Among the early arrivals in camp is Canada-based midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, marking her return to the national setup. Also present are goalkeepers Comfort Erhabor and Fatima Oloko; defenders Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Shukurat Oladipo, and Shittu; midfielders Christy Ucheibe, Onyenezide, Precious Christopher, and Jennifer Echegini; as well as forwards Gift Monday, Joy Omewa, Nwokocha, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Rinsola Babajide.

The team trained on Wednesday at the annex of the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo and is scheduled for another session at the main bowl on Thursday evening, the same venue where Nigeria defeated Cameroon 1–0 in the final of the 2016 Women’s AFCON.

Israel-based defender Sikiratu Isah is expected to join the squad before Thursday’s training. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie, along with forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, are also expected at the team’s hotel after concluding club duties.

Meanwhile, Mexico-based wing-back Chidinma Okeke and midfielder Halimatu Ayinde are anticipated in Yaoundé on Friday as preparations continue for the upcoming continental tournament.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, alongside Oluwatosin Demehin, Christy Ucheibe, Monday Gift, and Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, has arrived in camp as the Nigerian women's national football team intensifies preparations for their international friendlies against the Cameroon women's national football team in Yaoundé, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Also among the early arrivals are Ogbonna Glory, Christopher Precious, Omewa Joy, Onyenezide Esther, Oloko Fatima, and Nkwocha Favour, with 14 more players still expected to join the squad.

Head coach Justine Madugu’s side is scheduled to hold its first training session later tonight as preparations gather momentum. The Super Falcons will take on the Indomitable Lionesses in the first friendly on Saturday in Yaoundé, before clashing again in a second encounter next Tuesday.

Both matches form part of Nigeria’s build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt, while Cameroon will compete in Group D with Cape Verde, Ghana, and Mali.

Players Currently in Camp

Rasheedat Ajibade

Oluwatosin Demehin

Christy Ucheibe

Monday Gift

Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene

Ogbonna Glory

Christopher Precious

Omewa Joy

Onyenezide Esther

Oloko Fatima

Nkwocha Favour

With preparations underway, the Super Falcons will be aiming to sharpen their cohesion and tactical approach ahead of the continental showpiece.

Zambia has released a 38-player provisional squad as preparations intensify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to take place in Morocco, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Copper Queens’ technical crew confirmed that the players will report to a residential training camp in Dubai, where they will also take part in an invitational tournament designed to sharpen the team ahead of the continental showpiece.

Zambia has been drawn in Group C, where they will face Nigeria’s Super Falcons, alongside Egypt and Malawi, in what is expected to be one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.

The stakes at WAFCON 2026 are particularly high, with the top four teams earning automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The Copper Queens will be aiming to build on their rising profile in women’s football after making a historic debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2022. The provisional list reflects this ambition, featuring a mix of home-based players and foreign-based professionals competing across Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Full Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers:

Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Mwila Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses), Loveness Tonge (Green Eagles).

Defenders:

Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Thelma Chellah, Justina Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies), Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Memory Nthala, Rachael Nachula, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC, China), Saliya Mwanza, Matildah Mukunda (both Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls).

Midfielders:

Susan Banda (CekmekoyBilgidogga Spor, Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu, Esther Muchinga (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Natasha Nanyangwe, Evarine Katongo (both Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan Jiangsu, China), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades).

Strikers:

Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Agness Phiri, Maweta Chilenga (both Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows), Penelope Mulubwa, Eneless Phiri (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Kabanghe Mupopo (Wuhan FC, China), Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace), Samiah Phiri (Thonon Évian Grand Genève, France).

Zambia’s decision to commence early preparations and gain competitive exposure in Dubai highlights their determination to challenge Africa’s traditional powerhouses, including the Super Falcons, as they target a strong run at WAFCON 2026.

Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take part in the West African Football Union (WAFU B) Four-Nation Tournament as part of their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the tournament will be staged in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from 27 February to 7 March 2026. The competition is designed as a build-up event ahead of the WAFCON finals, which are scheduled to run from 17 March to 3 April 2026 in Morocco.

NFF Director of Competitions, Ruth David, disclosed that the reigning African champions have accepted an invitation from the WAFU B Secretariat to participate in the preparatory tournament, which will involve four West African nations that have all qualified for the upcoming WAFCON.

The participating teams are hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal.

According to David, the mini-tournament will provide the Super Falcons with valuable competitive match exposure as they fine-tune preparations for the continental championship. She added that Nigeria has formally confirmed its participation, with more information to follow in the coming days.

“The list of players submitted by head coach Justin Madugu has been forwarded to the NFF technical department and will be released through the appropriate channels in the coming days,” she said.

FIFA has officially launched the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, confirming Brazil as the host nation for the prestigious tournament, which will run from 24 June to 25 July 2027, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The competition will bring together the best women’s national teams from around the world and represents another major milestone in FIFA’s ongoing commitment to the growth and global development of women’s football.

Further details regarding host cities, match venues, the full fixture schedule, and ticketing arrangements are expected to be unveiled in the coming months as preparations for the tournament gather momentum across Brazil.

Super Falcons defender Nicole Payne has completed a move to National Women’s Soccer League club Orlando Pride, continuing her career in the United States top flight, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 24-year-old left-back joined Orlando Pride as a free agent after parting ways with Portland Thorns, where she previously featured in the NWSL. Payne initially moved to Portland Thorns from French giants Paris Saint-Germain, a transfer that marked her return to American football after a stint in Europe. During her time with the Thorns, she made 19 appearances across competitions, contributing her defensive solidity and tactical awareness from the left side.

Before turning professional, Payne played collegiate football at the University of Southern California, where she developed a strong reputation as a reliable defender with attacking instincts. During her college career, she found the back of the net three times, underlining her ability to support play going forward from defence.

Born in the United States, Payne switched international allegiance to Nigeria in 2021 after previously representing the United States of America at the youth level. Since committing her future to the Super Falcons, she has made two senior appearances for the ten-time African champions and remains one of the defenders competing for a regular place in the national team setup.

Her move to Orlando Pride offers a fresh opportunity to secure more playing time and further develop her game, as she looks to strengthen her club career while pushing for a bigger role with the Super Falcons in upcoming international competitions.

Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has committed her future to AFC Toronto, signing a contract extension that keeps her at the Canadian Northern Super League club until 2027, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

The 28-year-old winger joined AFC Toronto in February 2025, quickly establishing herself as a key figure for coach Marko Milanovi?. During her debut season, Okoronkwo impressed with eight goals and 11 assists in 20 league appearances, showcasing her creativity and attacking prowess.

Toronto sporting director Billy Wilson expressed delight at securing Okoronkwo’s continued services.

“We’re delighted that Esther, Lauren, Zoe, and Kaila have all committed to extending their time with AFC Toronto,” Wilson said on the club’s official website.

“Their commitment reinforces our belief in this group and our ambition as we continue to build toward the future.”

Okoronkwo’s extension is a significant boost for AFC Toronto as they aim to maintain momentum in the Northern Super League while nurturing a competitive squad for upcoming seasons.

Malawi women’s national team head coach, Lovemore Fazili, has admitted that his side faces a daunting task at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a tough group-stage draw in Morocco, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

The Scorchers were drawn into Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, 2022 bronze medallists Zambia, and Egypt, in what Fazili has described as a “group of death.”

Speaking to FAM Media after the official draw, Fazili acknowledged the quality of opposition Malawi will contend with but insisted that the challenge also presents motivation for his players to rise to the occasion on the continental stage.

“On paper, we have been drawn against big teams. It is called the group of death for a reason, but that also gives us hope and motivation to fight at the highest level,” Fazili said.

The Malawian coach stressed the importance of detailed preparation and thorough analysis, particularly with Nigeria, the most successful team in WAFCON history, headlining the group.

“We have the defending champions in our group, so we need to analyse all our opponents thoroughly,” he added.

Malawi will begin their WAFCON 2026 campaign with a challenging opener against Nigeria on March 18, before facing Egypt three days later. The Scorchers will then wrap up their group-stage fixtures with a regional showdown against Zambia on March 24.

With Zambia emerging as one of Africa’s fastest-rising women’s teams and Egypt eager to reassert itself on the continental stage, Group C is widely expected to be one of the most competitive at the tournament.

Despite the difficult draw, Fazili remains focused on preparing his squad to compete with confidence and resilience, as Malawi looks to make a statement and test itself against Africa’s elite when the tournament kicks off in Morocco.

Zambia’s Shepolopolo head coach, Nora Elizabeth Hauptle, has stressed the importance of detailed preparation as her side looks ahead to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, NigeriaSoccernet.com can report.

Reacting to the outcome of the tournament draw on Friday, the Swiss tactician made it clear that Zambia intends to approach the competition with a well-structured plan built around quality friendly matches and tactical development.

Hauptle explained that her technical crew is already focused on laying the groundwork for a competitive campaign, using preparatory games to refine strategy and improve cohesion within the squad.

“Yeah, I think we’re going to prepare properly, putting some good friendly games on the pitch to develop a strong strategy,” she said.

The Zambian coach also acknowledged the pedigree of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who are the most successful team in the history of the competition, but insisted that her side will embrace the challenge with ambition rather than fear.

“Nigeria, of course, are multiple-time champion of this tournament. We see our position as always trying to hunt, to chase. We’re going to prepare well,” Hauptle added.

Zambia has been drawn in the same group as Nigeria for WAFCON 2026, setting up a high-profile clash between the reigning champions and one of Africa’s fastest-rising women’s football nations. Hauptle’s comments underline Shepolopolo’s determination to test themselves against the continent’s elite and continue their upward trajectory in women’s football.

With preparations set to intensify in the coming months, Zambia will be hoping that careful planning and competitive exposure will put them in a strong position to challenge established powers when the tournament kicks off in Morocco.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially conducted the draw for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will be hosted by Morocco. Defending champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C, where they will face Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi in the group stage, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The nine-time African champions will be aiming to further extend their dominance on the continent after securing a historic 10th WAFCON title in 2025. Nigeria clinched the trophy dramatically with a 3–2 victory over hosts Morocco in the final, reaffirming their status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.

Group C is widely regarded as one of the most competitive pools in the tournament. Zambia has emerged as a major force in African women’s football in recent years, while Egypt and Malawi will be keen to test themselves against the reigning champions and push for qualification to the knockout stages.

Hosts Morocco headline Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal, and Kenya, as the Atlas Lionesses look to build on their recent rise on the continental stage.

Group B features runners-up South Africa, who are drawn with Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania, while Group D includes Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde.

With Africa’s top women’s teams set to battle for continental supremacy, the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco promises intense competition and high-quality football across all groups.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a dominant performance on Monday, thrashing Mozambique 4–0 to book their place in the second round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Fez.l, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Nigeria took early control of the encounter, setting the tone with an aggressive and confident display that left their opponents struggling to cope.

Ademola Lookman opened the scoring, giving the Super Eagles a deserved lead before Victor Osimhen added a second with a composed finish to put Nigeria firmly ahead before halftime.

The Galatasaray striker picked up where he left off after the restart, scoring his second goal of the match to widen the gap and effectively put the contest beyond reach.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2008295805841555724

Akor Adams rounded off the emphatic victory with a late goal, sealing a convincing win for the three-time African champions.

The result highlighted Nigeria’s attacking firepower as well as their defensive discipline, as Mozambique failed to find a way back into the match.

With this commanding display, the Super Eagles sent a strong message as they continue their push for continental success at the 2025 AFCON.

Nigeria will play the winner of Tuesday's Round of 16 encounter between Algeria and DR Congo in the quarterfinal.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Nigeria's Super Eagles are looking to kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a win against Tanzania's Taifa Stars in Fès on Tuesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Coach Éric Chelle emphasized the importance of a strong start, saying, "This is a big game because this is the first game and the first game is very important. For sure, we want to win this game".

The three-time African champions are in Group C, alongside Tunisia and Uganda, with only the top two teams guaranteed a spot in the Round of 16.

Chelle's side will be without some key players, including Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick, due to injuries.

Tanzania, ranked 74 places below Nigeria in the FIFA standings, will be looking to cause an upset.

Their coach, Miguel Gamondi, warned his team about Nigeria's attacking prowess, saying, "The smallest mistake against this kind of team can punish you".

The other Group C match on Tuesday will see Tunisia take on Uganda.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

As preparations heighten for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has confidently rated Nigeria’s attacking department as the strongest on the African continent, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports. The Super Eagles, who finished as runners-up at the last AFCON in Ivory Coast, continue to boast a fearsome frontline powered by reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen.

Simon’s remarks come on the back of Nigeria’s impressive goal return in the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the team scored 20 goals, showcasing the depth and quality available to head coach Eric Chelle. In an interview with Footballogue, the Nantes winger expressed absolute belief in the firepower Nigeria possesses going into the tournament.

“At 100 percent, it’s the best attack in Africa, but we could almost say the same about the world,” Simon stated, stressing that the current blend of pace, invention, and efficiency puts Nigeria on a different level.

The 29-year-old further highlighted the individual brilliance within the squad, mentioning the likes of Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman as key components of Nigeria’s multidimensional offensive setup. According to him, the mix of creativity, dribbling flair, movement, and clinical finishing makes the Super Eagles a threat to any team.

With AFCON 2025 fast approaching, Nigeria will be hoping to maximise this attacking edge in their quest for a fourth continental crown. Expectations remain high as the squad prepares to storm Morocco with one of the most explosive forward lines in world football.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have dropped in the newest FIFA Women’s World Rankings after missing out on action during the latest international window, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports. The nine-time African champions have not featured since their 2026 WAFCON qualifying win over Benin Republic, a period of inactivity that contributed to their slide on the global ladder.

According to the updated rankings released on Thursday, the Super Falcons now occupy 37th place with 1607.063 points. The fall comes at a time when several nations around them gained ground by participating in friendly matches and invitational tournaments, strengthening their coefficients while Nigeria remained idle. Analysts say the decline is not a reflection of quality but a consequence of missed opportunities to accumulate points during a competitive window.

Despite the setback, Nigeria remains firmly positioned as Africa’s highest-ranked women’s national team, staying ahead of South Africa and Ghana, who remain second and third, respectively, on the continent. Zambia and Morocco complete the top five in Africa, highlighting the increased competitiveness in women’s football as teams gear up for future qualifiers, global events, and continental engagements.

The Super Falcons are expected to return to action in the coming international cycles, where results will be crucial in restoring their ranking and maintaining their dominance on the continent.

North Carolina Courage head coach Ceri Bowley has highlighted the exceptional qualities Super Falcons forward Chioma Okafor will bring to the club, following her official arrival on a three-year deal, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Bowley expressed delight at securing the 22-year-old, who was part of Nigeria’s 2024 WAFCON-winning squad, describing her as a perfect addition to the Courage’s attacking setup. “We’re excited to welcome Chioma Okafor to the North Carolina Courage. Chioma is a dynamic, fearless attacker whose pace, power, and willingness to take on defenders bring dimensions we’ve been looking to add to our front line,” he said.

The head coach also praised Okafor’s mentality, work ethic, and desire for continuous improvement, stressing that her character fits seamlessly into the club’s culture. “Beyond her on-field qualities, Chioma brings a competitive edge and a growth mindset that fits the culture we’re building. She works, she listens, and she’s hungry to develop. We’re delighted Chioma is joining the Courage, and we’re looking forward to integrating her into our squad,” Bowley added.

Okafor joins the Courage after an impressive collegiate career at the University of Connecticut, where her performances drew attention from several top clubs before she opted for the NWSL side.