Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has insisted Nigeria will adopt a game-by-game approach at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as the defending champions bid to retain their continental crown, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The three-time reigning African Women's Goalkeeper of the Year said the team's focus remains on successfully defending the WAFCON title while also securing qualification for the next FIFA Women's World Cup.
Nigeria, Africa's most successful women's national team with 10 WAFCON titles, has been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi for the competition, which will take place in Morocco from July 26 to August 16.
"We will take it one match at a time because we cannot afford to stumble at any stage as a result of overconfidence," Nnadozie told thenff.com.
"Our focus is firmly on achieving our two goals, winning the trophy again and qualifying for the FIFA Women's World Cup."
The Paris FC shot-stopper welcomed the expansion of the tournament from 12 to 16 teams, saying the increase would make the competition even more competitive.
"It is exciting to see more teams at the finals. It will certainly make the competition more competitive, but we remain calm and focused regardless of the number of teams involved," she added.
Nnadozie also rejected the idea that some groups are easier than others, stressing that the standard of women's football across Africa has improved significantly.
"I don't believe any group is tougher than another. There are no longer minnows in African women's football," she said.
"There will be surprises because the so-called smaller teams are eager to prove themselves. Every team must be respected and taken seriously."
Despite acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, the 24-year-old remains confident the Super Falcons have what it takes to achieve their objectives.
"We know what we are going for: the trophy and a World Cup ticket. It won't be easy, but we are the Super Falcons of Nigeria," she said.