The draw for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has placed defending champions Nigeria in a competitive Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and debutants Malawi.
The draw ceremony, held on Thursday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, set the stage for the tournament scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Nigeria's Path to Defense
The Super Falcons will open their title defense against familiar foes Zambia, a team they demolished 5-0 during their triumphant 2025 campaign. However, Zambia also holds a recent victory over Nigeria, having beaten the Falcons in the third-place match of the 2022 edition.
Egypt, returning to WAFCON for the first time since 2016, and tournament newcomers Malawi complete what promises to be a challenging but navigable group for the nine-time champions.
Other Notable Groups
Host nation Morocco, runners-up in the last two tournaments, will face North African rivals Algeria in Group A, which also includes Senegal and Kenya. Group D has been dubbed the "group of death," featuring Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, and Cape Verde.
South Africa, the 2022 champions, headline Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania.
Full WAFCON 2026 Draw:
* Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya
* Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
* Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
* Group D: Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Cape Verde
This will be the third consecutive WAFCON hosted by Morocco, and all eyes will be on the Super Falcons as they aim to secure a record-extending tenth continental title.
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