By Uchenna Oluchi Eze

With just weeks to the kickoff of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), anticipation is building across Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, where expectations for the Super Falcons remain as high as ever. For decades, Nigerians have treated the Super Falcons’ dominance in African women’s football as a birthright, an entitlement reinforced by history, nostalgia, and national pride. But as the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) draws near, it is time for an uncomfortable but necessary conversation: Nigeria is no longer untouchable, and pretending otherwise could do more harm than good. 

The upcoming tournament in Morocco, featuring an expanded 16-team lineup, reflects how rapidly women’s football is growing across Africa. Investment is increasing, federations are becoming more organized, and emerging teams are no longer content to simply participate; they are coming to compete, and probably, to win. And this is where we need to reflect as a nation. Nigeria may still be Africa’s most decorated side, but pedigree alone does not win modern football. As expected, many Nigerian fans still expect the Super Falcons to stroll to another title, citing past successes as proof of inevitable victory. However, that mindset is outdated, because the rest of Africa has been closing the gap for years, while Nigeria has, for some time, relied too heavily on legacy reputation rather than consistent structural development.

The Era of Absolute Dominance is Fading

The notion that Nigeria should automatically dominate African women’s football ignores clear warning signs. Recent tournaments have shown that teams like South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia are no longer underdogs. They are tactically sophisticated, physically prepared, and increasingly supported by better domestic football systems and international exposure. This could be seen in their recent performances in the last WAFCON. Morocco, on their part, is the most sophisticated and equipped side in Africa. Nigeria’s semi-finals exit in the 2022 tournament was not an anomaly; it was a signal. The narrow margins in subsequent matches and increasingly competitive fixtures suggest that the era of effortless superiority is fading. Many countries are rising with more organized and skilled players. Yet public discourse in Nigeria often dismisses these realities, preferring instead to cling to past glory. This attitude risks complacency; not only among supporters but also within football administration. If expectations remain unrealistically high without corresponding investment and reform, disappointment will become more frequent.

Talent Alone Is Not Enough

Nigeria undeniably possesses immense talent. The country’s vast population, vibrant football culture, and global diaspora ensure a steady stream of skilled players. But talent without structure, planning, and sustained support rarely translates into consistent dominance. The Nigerian sports federation has not lived up to its expectations in terms of developing the athletes. Other African countries have begun professionalizing their women’s football programs. Youth development pathways, improved coaching education, sports science integration, and financial investment are helping them close what was once a massive gap. Nigeria, by contrast, still struggles with issues ranging from administrative inefficiencies to inconsistent preparation. Players have occasionally faced contract disputes, owed salaries and bonuses, and inadequate welfare support; issues that other African countries are actively addressing. Ignoring these structural realities while expecting automatic success may cost Nigeria the WAFCON and even subsequent ones. 

A Challenging Group Stage Awaits

Nigeria’s placement in Group C presents no easy path. Zambia, in particular, have emerged as one of Africa’s most formidable women’s teams, boasting global stars like Barbra Banda.  Zambia’s rise has been powered by strong individual talents, better organization, and increased global exposure. Their performances on continental and international stages show they are no longer intimidated by traditional giants. Even matches Nigeria has won convincingly on paper have often been far more competitive than the scorelines suggest. This is the modern reality of African women’s football: every opponent is capable of an upset. Therefore, fans expecting routine victories may find themselves frustrated if they fail to adjust to this evolving landscape.

National Pride vs. Honest Assessment

Football in Nigeria is never just a sport; it is deeply tied to national identity and pride. The Super Falcons have historically been symbols of resilience and national achievement, often succeeding despite limited institutional support. But pride should not prevent honest assessment. Constructive criticism is not disloyalty; it is necessary for progress. Acknowledging that Africa has caught up does not diminish Nigeria’s legacy; it simply recognizes the changing competitive environment. In fact, realistic expectations could relieve unnecessary pressure on players while encouraging administrators to focus on long-term development rather than short-term image management.

What Nigerians Should Really Expect

Nigerians should expect a competitive, unpredictable tournament where past reputation offers no guarantees. The Super Falcons still have the quality to win, but success will depend on preparation, tactical flexibility, squad depth, and mental resilience. Rather than assuming dominance, fans should hope for improvement in the integration of young talent, improved team cohesion, better organization, and stronger institutional backing. These indicators matter more for sustainable success than a single trophy. If Nigeria wins the title, it should be seen as the product of deliberate preparation, not historical entitlement. If they fall short, it should trigger serious reflection, not automatic blame or denial.

A Turning Point for Women’s Football in Nigeria

WAFCON 2026 may serve as a referendum on Nigeria’s commitment to women’s football. Will the country modernize its structures and invest strategically, or will it continue relying on past prestige while competitors surge ahead? The answer will shape not only tournament outcomes but also the future of women’s football development in Nigeria. We should bear in mind that the rest of Africa is no longer waiting for Nigeria to lead. They are building their own pathways to success. If Nigeria wants to remain a continental powerhouse, adaptation is no longer optional; rather, urgent. The Super Falcons have carried African women’s football for decades. Now they face a different challenge: proving they can evolve in a game that has evolved around them. And their Nigerian fans must evolve too, from hoping for an automatic dominance to supporting deliberate progress.

Uchenna Oluchi Eze is a researcher at the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, where she studies media, society, and global development. Her research and writing interests span sports, climate change, and maternal health, with a particular focus on how media narratives shape public understanding and policy engagement. Prior to beginning her graduate studies in the United States, she served as Communications Officer at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Nigeria, where she worked at the intersection of public communication, governance, and social impact.