Defending champions, Nigeria, will face Zambia again at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, following the group draw for the tournament in Morocco.
The Super Falcons, who won their record 10th title last year, are in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and debutants Malawi. Nigeria beat Zambia 5–0 on their way to lifting the trophy and later defeated hosts Morocco 2–1 in the final in Rabat.
Hosts Morocco will compete in Group A, where they face North African rivals Algeria, as well as Senegal and Kenya.
Group B features South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, while Group D includes Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and debutants Cape Verde.
The 2026 tournament will feature 16 teams after an expansion from 12. The top four teams at the competition will qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while the losing quarter-finalists will contest play-offs for additional qualification places.
The finals will run from 17 March to 3 April 2026, just eight months after the previous edition. Matches will be played in Rabat, Casablanca and Fes.
Nigeria will play all their Group C matches in Casablanca as they begin their title defence and push for another World Cup ticket.
