2026 WAFCON: Super Falcons Eye Benin Clash as Lionesses Brace for Algeria Test

The race for places at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is set to reach its climax this October, with defending champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons and former finalists Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses facing decisive battles in the final qualifying round.

Falcons Ready to Soar Against She-Cheetahs

Ten-time winners Nigeria, led by coach Justine Madugu, will take on the She-Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a two-legged tie scheduled for 20th–28th of October. Benin will host the opening leg before the return fixture in Nigeria.

The She-Cheetahs reached this stage after defeating Sierra Leone 5-2 on aggregate, winning 2-1 in Togo and 3-1 in Monrovia. Both nations were forced to play outside their borders due to lack of CAF-approved home venues. Despite Benin’s resilience, the Falcons are expected to go hard as they seek an 11th continental crown and automatic qualification for Morocco 2026.

Cameroon Face Rising Algeria

Cameroon’s Lionesses, beaten by Nigeria in the 2014 and 2016 finals, face a daunting test against Algeria’s Lady Fennecs. Algeria impressed at the last AFCON in Morocco, holding Nigeria and Tunisia to goalless draws, defeating Botswana, and pushing Ghana into penalties in the quarter-finals.

For Cameroon, who failed to qualify for the 2024 edition and also lost 0-2 to Nigeria in a pre-tournament friendly, the stakes could not be higher.

Other Key Fixtures

The final qualifying round also serves up blockbuster encounters across the continent.
Senegal vs Côte d’Ivoire: Senegal, quarter-finalists in Morocco, must overcome a strong Ivorian side.
Egypt vs Ghana: The Black Queens chase redemption after a painful exit last time out.
DR Congo vs South Africa: The reigning WAFCON champions Banyana Banyana face a tricky Congolese side.
Namibia vs Zambia: Zambia’s Copper Queens, now a continental powerhouse, look to assert their dominance.

Other fixtures include Angola vs Malawi, Tanzania vs Ethiopia, Burkina Faso vs Togo, Kenya vs Gambia, and Cape Verde vs Mali.

Road to Morocco and Beyond

The winners of these 11 final round ties will join hosts Morocco in the expanded 2026 Women’s AFCON scheduled for March 2026. Beyond continental glory, the stakes are global, the four semi-finalists will secure direct tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Africa also has two additional chances via intercontinental play-offs. The Brazil World Cup, set for 24 June – 25 July 2027, will feature 32 teams, but FIFA has confirmed the tournament will expand to 48 teams starting from 2031, co-hosted by Mexico and the USA.

Oluwadamilare Joseph

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