By Faith Akindele
A Switzerland-based football coach, Coach Antony Adeyemi Adedeji, has urged Nigeria’s Super Falcons to prioritize securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup before setting their sights on retaining the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
Speaking live on Sport Gallery on Crowther 88.5 FM, Oyo, with anchor Faith Akindele (Mr. Stereo), Coach Adedeji said the team’s immediate objective at the tournament should be reaching the semi-finals, which would guarantee a World Cup ticket.
According to him, focusing solely on defending the WAFCON title from the outset could put both objectives at risk.
«”The first target should be to qualify for the World Cup by reaching the semi-finals. Once that is achieved, the team can then concentrate on winning the WAFCON trophy,” he said.»
Coach Adedeji, popularly known as Coach Triple A, noted that the competition has become much stronger, with more countries improving significantly and determined to challenge for continental glory.
He recalled that Nigeria needed a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco in the last edition, warning that such fortune should not be relied upon again.
“Morocco, South Africa, Ghana, Zambia and several other teams are coming fully prepared. They know what is at stake, so the Super Falcons must also be adequately prepared if they want to succeed,” he added.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will run from July 26 to August 16, with Nigeria’s Super Falcons beginning their campaign against debutants Malawi on July 28.
