Nigeria will begin their defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday night when they face tournament debutants Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Boldsports report.
The Super Falcons enter the Group C encounter as overwhelming favourites, but head coach Justine Madugu has warned his players against underestimating a Malawi side led by dangerous attacking sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga.
Nigeria are the competition’s most successful team, having won a record 10 titles and reached at least the semi-finals in every previous edition. Their latest triumph came in 2025, when they recovered from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final and reclaim the continental crown.
Tuesday’s match will be the first WAFCON meeting between Nigeria and Malawi and the Scorchers’ first appearance at the tournament finals.
Nigeria have traditionally dominated first-time participants, winning 16 of their previous 17 matches against WAFCON debutants. The only exception was a goalless draw against Tunisia in 2008. Across those matches, the Super Falcons have scored 67 goals and conceded only four.
That history places pressure on the champions to begin with a convincing performance, particularly after hosts Morocco opened their campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Kenya.
However, Malawi possess enough attacking quality to punish any complacency. Temwa Chawinga and her older sister Tabitha are among Africa’s most accomplished forwards and provide the Scorchers with pace, directness and considerable goalscoring threat.
Malawi also demonstrated their competitiveness before the tournament by holding Zambia and defeating Angola 2-0 on aggregate in the final qualifying round. Faith Chinzimu scored both goals in the second leg to secure the country’s historic qualification.
Madugu, who guided Nigeria to their 10th continental title, insists the champions will treat their opponents with the respect they deserve.
“We have huge respect for all our opponents,” Madugu said at the pre-match press conference.
“Every team that qualifies for this tournament deserves commendation and a lot of respect. 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 a Nigerian side packed with continental and international experience.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin and Rofiat Imuran, midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Halimatu Ayinde, and forwards Asisat Oshoala, Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo are among the options available to Madugu.
The strength of Nigeria’s squad is also reflected on the bench, where players such as Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini, Gift Monday, Omorinsola Babajide, Folashade Ijamilusi and Christy Ucheibe could be called upon.
Beyond retaining the trophy, the tournament carries added significance because the four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Teams eliminated in the quarter-finals will enter play-offs to determine Africa’s two representatives in the intercontinental qualifiers.
Nigeria have been drawn alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt in Group C. After Tuesday’s opener, the Super Falcons will face Zambia on August 1 before completing the group stage against Egypt on August 5.
The match against Malawi will kick off at 9pm Nigerian time.
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