2026 WAFCON: Super Falcons Eye Winning Start Against Malawi

Nigeria women’s national football team will begin the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title against Malawi women’s national football team tonight in Rabat, with head coach Justin Madugu and captain Rasheedat Ajibade expressing confidence that the team can start the tournament with a victory.

The 10-time African champions face tournament debutants Malawi in their Group C opener at Al Madina Stadium as they pursue a record-extending 11th WAFCON title. Madugu said the team’s objective is to win every match, stressing that every competition is approached with the ultimate goal of lifting the trophy.

Nigeria head into the tournament in excellent form, having won eight of their last nine matches, including a 2-1 friendly victory over Tanzania in which Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo scored. The Falcons are expected to miss defender Ashleigh Plumptre through injury, but still boast a strong squad.

Malawi arrive at their first-ever WAFCON after a difficult run of results, losing five of their last six games. However, the Scorchers earned respect during qualification by holding Zambia to a draw and defeating Angola to secure their place in the tournament. Their biggest attacking threats are sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga.

The build-up to the competition was briefly overshadowed after Okoronkwo revealed that $700 had been stolen from her wallet at the team’s hotel, with several teammates also reportedly affected. The forward later condemned the racist abuse she received online over the incident, insisting the team remains united and focused on its mission.

Ajibade said the squad is fully prepared and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the team throughout the competition. While acknowledging Malawi’s progress in women’s football, she stressed that the Super Falcons would treat every opponent with respect but remain focused on securing all three points in the opening match.

Following tonight’s fixture, Nigeria will continue their Group C campaign against Zambia and Egypt.