Defending champions Nigeria will begin their quest for a record-extending Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title when they face tournament debutants Malawi in their opening Group C match on Tuesday in Rabat, Morocco.
The Super Falcons enter the tournament as Africa’s most successful women’s national team and are aiming to retain the title they won in Morocco last year after a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the final. Victory over Malawi would give head coach Justine Madugu an ideal start as Nigeria targets another continental crown and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The expanded 16-team WAFCON also serves as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification.
Nigeria seek another continental title
Nigeria remain the dominant force in African women’s football, having won a record 10 WAFCON titles under the current tournament format. Some historical records also include the African Women’s Championship titles won in 1991 and 1995, taking the country’s total continental triumphs to 12.
WAFCON 2026: Everything to know as Super Falcons begin title defence
The Super Falcons return to Rabat, where they completed one of the competition’s greatest comebacks by overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Morocco in the 2025 final.
Drawn alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi in Group C, Nigeria are expected to challenge for top spot before progressing to the knockout rounds.
Team news
Madugu has named a squad combining experienced internationals and emerging talents.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade leads a team that includes goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Michelle Alozie, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne, Esther Okoronkwo, Gift Monday and Deborah Abiodun.
Nigeria will, however, be without defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who continues her recovery from a long-term injury.
The Super Falcons head into the tournament on the back of a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their final warm-up match, while Gift Monday and Deborah Abiodun joined the squad after overcoming travel delays.
Malawi making historic debut
Malawi are appearing at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time after impressive performances during the qualifying campaign.
Nicknamed the Scorchers, they will rely heavily on sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, two of Africa’s most accomplished forwards.
Temwa Chawinga, who plays for Kansas City Current in the United States, has established herself as one of the leading attackers in women’s football, while Tabitha Chawinga, who plays for French side Lyon, brings top-level European experience.
Although tournament newcomers, Malawi have shown steady progress in recent years and will hope to spring a surprise against the defending champions.
Head-to-head record
Nigeria and Malawi have met only twice at senior international level.
The two countries faced each other during qualification for the 2014 African Women’s Championship, which also served as part of the qualification process for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Their first meeting ended in a 1-1 draw in Blantyre on June 9, 2012.
Nigeria won the return leg 2-0 in Abuja on September 7, 2013, leaving the Super Falcons unbeaten against Malawi with one win and one draw.
Players to watch
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
The Nigeria captain is expected to provide leadership and creativity in attack. Her ability to play across multiple positions makes her one of the Falcons’ most influential players.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s best goalkeepers, Nnadozie will be key to Nigeria’s defensive organisation, particularly against Malawi’s pace on the counterattack.
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
Oshoala remains one of the continent’s most recognisable footballers. With six CAF Women’s Player of the Year awards, she brings experience, movement and proven goalscoring ability to Nigeria’s attack.
Jennifer Echegini (Nigeria)
The midfielder’s creativity and technical quality could prove decisive if Nigeria face a compact Malawi defence.
Temwa Chawinga (Malawi)
Temwa is Malawi’s biggest attacking threat. Her speed and finishing ability make her capable of punishing defensive mistakes.
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi)
The Lyon forward offers experience and technical quality, while her understanding with sister Temwa gives Malawi an additional attacking dimension.
Match details
Group: Group C
Fixture: Nigeria vs Malawi
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Venue: Rabat, Morocco
Kick-off: 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time (WAT)
