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Super Falcons midfielder, Deborah Abiodun has sent a strong warning to Nigeria’s rivals in the African Women’s Cup of Nations, stating that lifting the continental trophy last year has only increased the team’s desire to win it again.
He Washington Spirit Midfielderwho was part of the squad that captured Nigeria’s record-breaking 10th WAFCON titlestates that the defending champions are fully focused on retaining their crown in Morocco and have no intention of resting on past achievements.
With an unprecedented number 11th African title and qualification for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 With Brazil on the line, the 22-year-old believes the Super Falcons are as hungry as ever.
“The last title was fantastic, but that’s a thing of 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.”
Coach Justine Madugu has once again trusted the core of the team that conquered Africa last year, which combines experience with youth.
The Super Falcons arrive in Morocco as favorites, but their path will not be easy.
Nigeria is drawn in a challenging Group C alongside debutants in the tournament. Malawi, Zambia and Egypt.
No room for complacency for super hawks
Although Malawi to make first appearance at WAFCONThey have dangerous threats of attack on sisters. Temwa Chawinga of current Kansas City and Tabitha Chawinga of Olympique Lyonnais.
Zambia also boasts one of the strongest teams on the continent, led by Orlando Pride star Barbra Banda and Bay FC striker Racheal Kundananji.
Despite the quality of the opposition, Abiodun insists that Nigeria will treat each match with the same respect.
“Regardless of whether it’s Malawi, Zambia or Egypt, every match is important,” she said.
“We are not taking any team lightly and I am not underestimating any player.”
“As Super Falcons, we always try to make Nigerians proud.”
“That is our first priority: to make Nigerians proud, to make our teammates proud and to make ourselves proud.”
“This WAFCON is very important, especially because qualification for the World Cup is at stake.”
“I don’t think we’re taking any games 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 notable records in women’s football.
Nigeria remains the only African nation and one of only seven countries in the world to have qualified for every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.
As the expanded WAFCON also serves as a qualifying tournament for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, reaching the semi-finals will automatically secure Nigeria’s place at the world event.
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 to qualify for the World Cup. Winning the eleventh title would be an advantage.”
“The last title was fantastic, but that’s a thing of the past now.”
“We have to focus on this one.”
Becoming one of the biggest actors in Nigeria
Abiodun comes into the tournament full of confidence after enjoying another impressive campaign with the National Women’s Soccer League. Spirit of Washington.
Since he joined the American club from university of pittsburgh last yearThe energetic midfielder has become one of the team’s most reliable players 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, for me it has always been a matter of growth.”
“Regardless of WAFCON or not, I have 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 family and Spirit team, it’s always been about growth for me.”
Washington Spirit’s success boosts confidence
The Washington Spirit enters the international break as one of the strongest teams in the National Women’s Soccer League. 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 it improve its performances ahead of WAFCON.
“It’s a lot of things, a lot of positive things, to be honest,” she said.
“It all comes down to having great players on the team who are always willing to put in that extra effort, the extra tackle, the extra shot on goal.”
“That shows how great this team is.”
“Regardless of who is on the field, there is always great support for whoever is not playing.”
“Everyone contributes their best level in each game.”
“We are grateful to have won many games.”
“The credit also goes to the staff. “Every coach and every member of the coaching staff has been wonderful.”
“Each training session is at match pace and we prioritize being better every day, being one percent better than in the previous session.”
“I think that’s played a big role in how many games we’ve won this season.”
– Read more: From red card to red-hot form: Super Falcons star Deborah Abiodun talks World Cup and Dallas move
– Read more: Super Falcons unveil title defense team for WAFCON 2026 as Nigeria eyes historic 11th African crown
– Read more: Here’s the real reason WAFCON 2026 was postponed just 12 days before the start
Eyes fixed on Morocco
With club football now temporarily behind her, all Abiodun’s attention is focused on joining the Super Falcons camp as Nigeria steps up preparations for the 2026 African Women’s Cup of Nations.
The defending champions begin their campaign in Group C against Malawi before facing Zambia and Egypt in their bid to qualify for another FIFA Women’s World Cup and lift a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.
In Abiodun’s words, Nigeria is not traveling to Morocco simply to defend its crown, but is determined to remind Africa why the Super Falcons remain the undisputed queens of the continent.
