By Dorcas Francis Koji
Portsmouth goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor says she is eagerly looking forward to making her competitive debut for the Super Falcons when Nigeria opens its campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against Malawi.
A first appearance in the tournament would officially tie the highly-rated goalkeeper to Nigeria at senior international level, ending her eligibility to represent the Netherlands or England through FIFA’s nationality regulations.
Born in the Netherlands to Nigerian parents and raised in England, Erhabor had the option of representing three different nations before choosing to commit her international future to the Super Falcons.
Speaking to the team’s media channel, the young shot-stopper admitted she experienced mixed emotions after learning of her maiden senior invitation.
“The first person I called was my mum. I was excited but also a little nervous because I didn’t really know what to expect. It’s a huge opportunity, and I’m grateful to be part of this team,” Erhabor said.
The Portsmouth goalkeeper also described it as a dream come true to train alongside Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, whom she has admired for several years.
“It honestly feels unreal because she’s one of the goalkeepers I’ve always looked up to in women’s football. To train with her every day and learn from her is something very special for me,” she said.
Erhabor added that Nnadozie, alongside legendary German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, has played a significant role in shaping her development between the posts.
The talented goalkeeper is expected to provide competition for the Super Falcons’ goalkeeping department as Nigeria begins another quest for continental glory in Morocco.
The defending champions open their Group C campaign against tournament debutants Malawi, with further matches against Zambia and Egypt to follow as they pursue another successful run in Africa’s biggest women’s football competition.
Nigeria heads into the tournament determined to retain the title won in dramatic fashion after overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the previous WAFCON final.
A competitive appearance against Malawi would not only mark a memorable Super Falcons debut for Erhabor but would also officially secure her international future with Nigeria as the nine-time African champions continue their pursuit of another continental title.
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