Rinsola Babajide: 'Expanded WAFCON will raise competition but Super Falcons focused on retaining title'
Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide says the expansion of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations to 16 teams will make the competition even more thrilling, but insists Nigeria's objective remains unchanged, to successfully defend their continental crown.
The tournament, which will be held in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, has been expanded from 12 to 16 participating nations, with places at the FIFA Women's World Cup also at stake.
Speaking to thenff.com, the AS Roma forward welcomed the new format, describing it as a boost for the competition while maintaining that the Super Falcons are solely focused on lifting the trophy once again.
"I think it makes it more exciting. We all know that this year's Women's 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.
"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. 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," Babajide said.
The Italian Serie A Femminile champion also reflected on her football journey, crediting both England and Nigeria for shaping her into the player she is today.
Babajide said her formative years in England laid the technical foundation for her career, while representing Nigeria has instilled resilience, professionalism and a winning mentality.
"I've been blessed to have the best of two worlds. England helped me develop my game from age-grade football, and I am forever grateful for that. I have continued to grow as an experienced player with Nigeria, and I do not take this for granted.
"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."
Babajide was part of the Super Falcons squad that reclaimed the Women's AFCON title in Morocco and will be hoping to play another key role as Nigeria begins the defence of its continental crown later this month.
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