AS Roma forward says Nigeria’s goal remains the same: Retain the trophy
By Emeka Dennar
LAGOS — Super Falcons forward, Rinsola Babajide, believes the expansion of this year’s
Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco will add more excitement and intensity
to the competition. Speaking ahead of the tournament scheduled for July 26 to August 16, 2026
in Morocco, the AS Roma star said increasing the number of participating teams from 12 to 16
will raise the level of competition. “It Makes It More Exciting”“I think it makes it more exciting,”
Babajide told thenff.com.
“We all know that this year’s Women AFCON is also a qualification tournament for the World
Cup finals. Of course, we all want to be there. I think it will make the competition more
competitive, but for us, the goal remains the same.”
“Pressure is the Same — We Want to Win”
The reigning Italian Serie A Femminile champion stressed that whether the Super Falcons are
playing for continental glory or for a place at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, the team’s
mindset remains focused. “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
because we want to win,” she said.
“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.”
Ready for Morocco
Babajide added that her experience in club football has sharpened her game for the national
team. “I have learnt resilience and professionalism in both environments, and these make me a
better player and a better person. We know what it takes to win and, as a team, we will give it
our all in Morocco to retain the trophy. We are all determined to make Nigeria proud in
Morocco.”
The Super Falcons are nine-time WAFCON champions and will be aiming to defend their title in
Morocco.
