Six-time African Women's Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala has described the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as a trophy "worth fighting for," despite Nigeria's long-standing dominance of the competition.
Oshoala is among the early arrivals at the Super Falcons' training camp in Casablanca as the team steps up preparations for the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.
Nigeria will head into the tournament, which runs from July 25 to August 16, aiming to defend their title, win a record-extending 11th continental crown and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
The experienced forward believes every edition of WAFCON should reflect the continued growth of women's football across Africa, both on and off the pitch.
"I am looking forward to Nigeria winning it again. It's something to always fight for, but I feel like each edition there has to be a form of improvement on and off the pitch," Oshoala said during a CAF Media Stars Spotlight session.
She also called for greater fan engagement and increased promotion of the tournament to further raise the profile of women's football on the continent.
"I really want to see more fans out there, and I hope this edition is better than the previous ones. I think more promotion for this tournament will help showcase African women's football."
The 31-year-old has enjoyed a glittering international career, winning WAFCON titles with Nigeria in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2024. Reflecting on her journey with the Super Falcons, Oshoala said there is still room for progress.
"It's been an amazing journey for me personally, having experienced all of this and played in other continents. It's been pretty impressive, and there is always room for improvement."
The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt. Justine Madugu's side will begin their campaign against tournament debutants Malawi in Rabat on July 28.
In addition to the continental title, the tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically, while the best-performing quarter-finalist will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.
