Super Falcons Begin WAFCON Defence Against Ambitious Malawi

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin their title defence at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when they face debutants Malawi at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat tonight.

The nine-time African champions are expected to open their campaign with a convincing victory, but Head Coach Justine Madugu has warned his players against underestimating a Malawi side making its first appearance at the tournament.

Nigeria claimed their record-extending 10th WAFCON title last year after coming from behind to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final.

Morocco, who are seeking a third consecutive appearance in the final after finishing runners-up in the previous two editions, opened this year’s tournament in impressive fashion on Sunday, thrashing Kenya’s Harambee Starlets 4-0.

The emphatic victory served as an early warning to the defending champions that the battle for the trophy could be even tougher this time.

While Nigeria enter today’s encounter as clear favourites, Malawi’s Scorchers will be eager to make history in their first-ever WAFCON finals appearance.

The debutants also possess a major threat in the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, whose pace, movement and attacking quality could cause problems for the Nigerian defence.

Malawi coach Lovermore Fazili’s side have suffered friendly defeats against Morocco and Ghana over the past 13 months, but they have also held highly rated Zambia and comfortably defeated Angola in their final qualifying fixture.

Fazili can also call on several players capable of troubling the champions, including defenders Ireen Khumalo, Olivia Phikani and Benadetta Mkandawire; midfielders Rose Kadzere, Letticia Chinyamula and Faith Chinzimu; and forwards Vanessa Chikupira and Deborah Henry.

Madugu, who guided the Super Falcons to their title-winning campaign last year, insists Nigeria will approach the match with the utmost respect.

“We have huge respect for all our opponents,” Madugu said at Monday’s pre-match press conference in Rabat.

“Yes, they are debutants, but they are a very good side. We don’t take anything for granted. Everybody is coming here with a purpose and a mission, so you don’t undermine or underestimate what anybody can do.

“We are here for the defence of the WAFCON trophy, and the team is fully ready and set to go. We will stick to our game plan and our mission.”

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is expected to lead the Falcons, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Rofiat Imuran and Tosin Demehin, midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Halimatu Ayinde, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Asisat Oshoala all in contention to start.

Nigeria also have considerable strength on the bench, with the likes of goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, Christy Ucheibe, Glory Ogbonna, Sikiratu Isa, Shukurat Oladipo, Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini, Gift Monday, Omorinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi providing strong alternatives.

Kick-off is scheduled for 9 pm Morocco time, the same time in Nigeria.