Portsmouth Women goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor has spoken of her excitement ahead of a possible competitive debut for the Super Falcons at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), describing her first senior call-up as a dream come true, Sportblits.com reports.
The highly-rated goalkeeper is part of Justine Madugu’s squad preparing for the continental championship in Morocco and could earn her first competitive appearance when Nigeria faces Malawi in its Group C opener.
Should Erhabor feature at the tournament, she will become cap-tied to Nigeria under FIFA eligibility rules, ending any possibility of representing the other nations she is currently eligible for.
Eligible for three countries
Born in the Netherlands to Nigerian parents and raised in England, Erhabor has been eligible to represent three different countries at international level.
However, the 21-year-old has now committed her immediate future to Nigeria after accepting her maiden invitation to the Super Falcons.
A competitive appearance at WAFCON would officially tie her international future to Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in her career.
The call-up is also another example of the Nigeria Football Federation’s continued efforts to integrate talented dual-national players into the senior women’s national team.
‘I immediately called my mum’
Speaking to the Super Falcons media team, Erhabor recalled the emotional moment she received the news of her invitation.
“I straight away called my mum and I told her about my call-up. I was a bit nervous because I didn’t really know what to expect. But I am excited to step into the experience.”
The goalkeeper admitted that the opportunity initially came with nerves but said the excitement of representing Nigeria quickly took over.
Joining one of Africa’s most successful national teams represents a major step in the young goalkeeper’s development as she looks to establish herself on the international stage.
Learning from Chiamaka Nnadozie
One of the biggest highlights of Erhabor’s first experience with the Super Falcons has been the chance to train alongside first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s best goalkeepers, Nnadozie has become a role model for many young Nigerian goalkeepers through her performances for both club and country.
Erhabor admitted sharing the training pitch with her has exceeded expectations.
“It feels unreal. That’s probably one of the people I really looked the most up to in women’s football. To get to train alongside her and learn from her, it is something really special.”
Working closely with Nnadozie during the tournament gives Erhabor an invaluable opportunity to improve her game while gaining experience within the national team environment.
Manuel Neuer also among her inspirations
Erhabor also revealed that former Germany captain Manuel Neuer has played a significant role in shaping her style as a goalkeeper.
Known for revolutionising the modern “sweeper-keeper” role, Neuer has inspired goalkeepers across the world with his composure, positioning and ability with the ball at his feet.
Speaking about her football inspirations, Erhabor said:
“My role models in football, I have two. One who I really used to look up to is Manuel Neuer and then Chiamaka Nnadozie as well.”
The combination of Neuer’s modern goalkeeping approach and Nnadozie’s success at the highest level provides Erhabor with two outstanding examples as she continues her development.
Opportunity to secure Nigeria future
Although competition for places remains fierce, WAFCON 2026 presents Erhabor with a golden opportunity to establish herself within the Super Falcons setup.
Nigeria possesses considerable experience in goal, but the coaching staff is also looking toward the future by introducing younger talents capable of maintaining the team’s high standards.
A strong performance during the tournament could significantly improve Erhabor’s chances of becoming a regular member of the squad for future competitions, including the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers and the next Olympic cycle.
Nigeria targeting another WAFCON title
The Super Falcons head into the tournament aiming to further extend their remarkable record as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
Nigeria has won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations a record number of times and will begin its latest title challenge against Malawi before taking on Zambia and Egypt in Group C.
With experienced stars such as Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne, and Esther Okoronkwo leading the squad, expectations remain high that the Super Falcons can challenge for another continental crown.
For Comfort Erhabor, the tournament could represent the beginning of a long international career.
If selected to face Malawi, the Portsmouth goalkeeper will not only make her competitive debut but also officially commit her international future to Nigeria—a moment she admits she has eagerly anticipated since receiving her first call-up.
