“We Want to Retain Our Trophy” – Rinsola Babajide Sends Strong WAFCON 2026 Title Message
Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide has made Nigeria's ambitions clear ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), insisting that the team's primary objective is to successfully defend their continental crown.
The tournament, which now features an expanded 16-team format, will also serve as a qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. While Babajide believes the additional stakes will make the competition even tougher, she says Nigeria's focus remains firmly on lifting the trophy once again.
"I think it makes it more exciting. We all know that this year's Women AFCON is also for qualification to the World Cup finals. Of course, we all want to be there. I think it will make it more competitive but for us, the goal remains the same," Babajide said.
The reigning Italian Serie A Femminile champion explained that the Super Falcons are motivated by their own high standards rather than external expectations, with the squad determined to add another WAFCON title to Nigeria's remarkable record.
"For us as a team, whether we are playing just to be crowned champions of Africa or for qualification to next year's World Cup, the pressure is the same as we want to win. The only pressure actually is the one we put on ourselves. We know what we signed up for as professionals and being the defending champions, we want to retain our trophy."
