Super Falcons midfielder, Deborah Abiodun has sent a strong warning to Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations rivals, stating that lifting the continental trophy last year has only increased the team’s desire to win it again.
The Washington Spirit midfielder, who was part of the squad that captured Nigeria’s record 10th WAFCON title, says the defending champions are fully focused on retaining their crown in Morocco and have no intention of resting on past achievements.
With an unprecedented 11th African title and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil at stake, the 22-year-old believes the Super Falcons remain as hungry as ever.
“The last title was great, but that’s in the past now,” Abiodun told ESPN.
“We have to focus on this one.”
“It would be great to win again because, as a player, you never get tired of winning.”
Head coach Justine Madugu has once again placed his faith in the core of the squad that conquered Africa last year, blends experience with youth.
The Super Falcons head into Morocco as favourites, but their path will be anything but straightforward.
Nigeria have been drawn in a challenging Group C alongside tournament debutants Malawi, Zambia and Egypt.
No Room for Complacency for Super Falcons
Although Malawi will be making their first-ever WAFCON appearance, they possess dangerous attacking threats in sisters Temwa Chawinga of Kansas City Current and Tabitha Chawinga of Olympique Lyonnais.
Zambia also boast one of the strongest squads on the continent, led by Orlando Pride star Barbra Banda and Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji.
Despite the quality of the opposition, Abiodun insists Nigeria will treat every match with equal respect.
“Regardless of whether it’s Malawi, Zambia or Egypt, every game is important,” she said.
“We’re not taking any team lightly, and I’m not underrating any player.”
“As the Super Falcons, we’re always trying to make Nigerians proud.”
That’s our first priority, making Nigerians proud, making our teammates proud and making ourselves proud.”
“This WAFCON is very important, especially because there’s World Cup qualification at stake.”
“I don’t think we’re taking any game lightly.”
“It’s going to be fun.”
World Cup Qualification Comes First
Beyond defending their African crown, the Super Falcons are also determined to preserve one of the most remarkable records in women’s football.
Nigeria remain the only African nation and one of only seven countries worldwide, to have qualified for every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.
With the expanded WAFCON also serving as the qualifying tournament for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, reaching the semi-finals will automatically secure Nigeria’s place at the global showpiece.
Madugu has repeatedly stressed that qualification is the team’s immediate objective before thinking about lifting another trophy.
The coach said:
“The first priority is qualifying for the World Cup. Winning the 11th title would be a bonus.”
“The last title was great, but that’s in the past now.”
“We have to focus on this one.”
Growing Into One of Nigeria’s Most Important Players
Abiodun heads into the tournament full of confidence after enjoying another impressive campaign with National Women’s Soccer League side, Washington Spirit.
Since joining the American club from the University of Pittsburgh last year, the energetic midfielder has developed into one of the team’s most dependable performers while also cementing her place in the Super Falcons midfield.
For Deborah Abiodun, however, personal development remains the biggest goal.
“Since the first time I joined the Spirit, it has always been about growth for me.”
“Regardless of WAFCON or no WAFCON, I’ve always prioritized growth, the mental aspect, my game, and just being a better midfielder and a better teammate.”
“Regardless of whether I’m on the national team or with my Spirit family and team, it’s always been about growth for me.”
Washington Spirit Success Boosts Confidence
Washington Spirit head into the international break as one of the National Women’s Soccer League’s strongest sides, having won seven of their previous eight league matches before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Gotham FC.
Deborah Abiodun believes the club’s winning mentality and strong team culture have helped elevate her performances ahead of WAFCON.
“It’s a bunch of things, a bunch of positive things, to be honest,” she said.
“It all comes down to having great players on the team who are always willing to make that extra effort, the extra tackle, the extra shot on target.”
“That shows how great this team is.”
“Regardless of who’s on the field, there’s always great support for whoever isn’t playing.”
“Everyone brings their A-game to every match.”
“We’re grateful that we’ve won a lot of matches.”
“Credit also goes to the staff. Every coach and every member of the non-coaching staff has been wonderful.”
“Every training session is at match pace, and we prioritize getting better every day, being one percent better than we were in the previous session.”
“I think that’s played a big part in how many games we’ve won this season.”
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Eyes Firmly Fixed on Morocco
With club football now temporarily behind her, Abiodun’s full attention turns to joining the Super Falcons camp as Nigeria intensify preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The defending champions begin their campaign in Group C against Malawi before taking on Zambia and Egypt as they bid to qualify for another FIFA Women’s World Cup and lift a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.
According to Abiodun’s words, Nigeria are not travelling to Morocco simply to defend their crown, they are determined to remind Africa why the Super Falcons remain the continent’s undisputed queens.
