NFF: FIFA Decision Key To WAFCON 2026 Plans
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that preparations for the Super Falcons ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will only begin after FIFA clarifies the official international match window.
Nigeria, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, are targeting a record-extending 11th WAFCON title when the tournament is staged in Morocco. The competition will also double as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, raising the stakes for early and effective planning.
Speaking in an interview with journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau explained that uncertainty surrounding FIFA’s player release window has made it impossible to finalise training schedules and camping arrangements.
“There is nothing we can do until the FIFA window between 26 February and 7 March,” Gusau said.
He noted that the Super Falcons’ squad is largely made up of players based abroad, particularly in Europe, the United States and Mexico, making FIFA’s confirmation critical to engaging clubs and securing timely player releases.
“And even at that, we need to know when the clubs will release our players for WAFCON camping, so that we can know how to prepare,” Gusau added.
Despite the delay, the NFF President assured Nigerians that the federation is fully prepared to activate comprehensive plans once FIFA provides clarity on the dates.
“Once FIFA can confirm the dates when players will be released, be assured that you will be very happy with the plans we are going to make for the team,” he said.
The Super Falcons, who won their 10th WAFCON title in 2025, remain favourites to dominate the continent once preparations officially begin.
