Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has expressed unwavering confidence in Nigeria's ability to defend their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, asserting that rivals like South Africa and Morocco will not hinder their pursuit of a record-extending 11th continental championship. The upcoming tournament is scheduled for 2026 and will be hosted by Morocco.

Nigeria, the reigning champions, secured their berth in the 2026 WAFCON by achieving a dominant 3-1 aggregate victory over the Benin Republic. Esther Okoronkwo played a pivotal role in these qualifiers, contributing a crucial goal in the 2-0 first-leg win in Cotonou and providing a vital assist in the 1-1 return leg held in Abeokuta.

Speaking on Channels Television's "Sports Tonight" following the confirmation of qualification, Okoronkwo, an AFC Toronto star, unequivocally stated the team's ambitions. "Yes. With Nigeria, everything is possible for sure," she affirmed. "We’re not going there to not want to win or just go there for vibes. We want to win the 11th [WAFCON title] for sure." She firmly believes the Super Falcons possess the necessary qualities to maintain their status as Africa's premier team, despite the strong competition expected from other nations, including the host country, Morocco.

Okoronkwo's confidence is rooted in a history of strong performances, including her instrumental role in a previous WAFCON final, specifically the 2025 victory where the Super Falcons defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 in Rabat. Her exceptional display in that match earned her the Player of the Match award and a nomination for the prestigious CAF Women’s Player of the Year, alongside team captain Rasheedat Ajibade. In that triumphant campaign, she scored a goal and provided multiple assists, demonstrating her impact on the team's success.

The Super Falcons are Africa's most decorated women's football team, having clinched ten of the thirteen WAFCON tournaments ever held. They also hold the unique distinction of being the only African nation to have qualified for every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, a testament to their consistent excellence on the global stage. This rich history and the team's determined mindset underscore their readiness to chase another continental crown.