File: Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide
Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide says qualification for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup will serve as extra motivation for Nigeria as the defending champions prepare for the expanded 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The tournament, scheduled to hold from July 25 to August 16, will feature 16 teams for the first time, up from 12, with places at the next FIFA Women’s World Cup also at stake.
Speaking to the Nigerian Football Federation, the AS Roma Women winger said the expanded format would make the competition more competitive, although Nigeria’s ambition remains to successfully defend their continental title.
“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.
