Nigeria's quest for an unprecedented 11th Women's Africa Cup of Nations title begins on Tuesday night when the Super Falcons face Malawi at Stade El Barid in Rabat, Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
Kick-off is scheduled for 9:00 pm Nigerian time in the opening Group C fixture of WAFCON 2026.
Barely one year after conquering the continent, the Super Falcons return to Morocco to defend their crown and prove once again why they remain Africa's most successful women's national team. Head coach Justine Madugu has assembled an experienced squad packed with stars playing in Europe, the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Malawi arrive with a very different story. Nicknamed the Scorchers, they are appearing at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history. Although they are considered outsiders, they possess enough quality to trouble any defence, especially with sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga leading the attack. With Zambia and Egypt also in Group C, a winning start could prove crucial for both teams.
Match preview
Nigeria enter the competition as defending champions and Africa's highest-ranked women's national team. The Super Falcons have dominated WAFCON for decades and know that dropping points in the opening game could make life difficult later in the group.
Madugu is expected to stick with his preferred attacking 4-3-3 formation. Nigeria will look to control possession, press high and create chances through their pace on the wings. The Super Falcons also come into the tournament with confidence after defeating Tanzania 2-1 in their final warm-up game in Morocco.
Malawi's preparations have been less encouraging after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Ghana in a friendly. However, coach Lovemore Fazili is unlikely to abandon his game plan. Instead, the Scorchers are expected to defend with numbers before breaking quickly through the pace of the Chawinga sisters, who are among the fastest forwards in African football.
Nigeria vs Malawi: Head-to-head
Nigeria and Malawi have not faced each other often at senior level, but whenever they have met, the Super Falcons have remained unbeaten. The two countries have played only twice in senior women's international football, with both matches coming during the qualifiers for the 2014 African Women's Championship, which also served as qualification for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Their first meeting took place on June 9, 2012, in Blantyre, where Malawi produced a fine performance and fought hard to earn a 1-1 draw.
Nigeria responded in the return leg on September 7, 2013, at the Abuja National Stadium. The Super Falcons controlled the game from start to finish and secured a comfortable 2-0 victory, sealing progression while maintaining their unbeaten record against Malawi. Overall, Nigeria have won one match and drawn one, scoring three goals and conceding just once.
Although Malawi's senior side has improved significantly in recent years, especially with world-class forwards Temwa Chawinga and Tabitha Chawinga, history still strongly favours Nigeria heading into Tuesday's WAFCON opener.
Nigeria team news
Nigeria received a major injury setback before the tournament after experienced defender Ashleigh Plumptre failed to recover from a long-term injury.
Despite that loss, Madugu still has arguably the strongest squad in Africa. There was also good news as Washington Spirit midfielder Deborah Abiodun and striker Gift Monday overcame travel delays from the United States and joined the squad in Morocco before the opening match.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and six-time African Women's Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala are all fit and available. Jennifer Echegini is expected to provide creativity in midfield, while Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun will protect the defence. Nigeria also have strong options from the bench, including Toni Payne, Esther Okoronkwo, Uchenna Kanu and Folashade Ijamilusi.
Malawi team news
Malawi will rely heavily on captain Temwa Chawinga. The Kansas City Current star has a name that drives fear into the hearts of defenders. Her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, adds more experience and attacking quality after impressing in European football.
Coach Lovemore Fazili is expected to make defensive adjustments following the 4-0 defeat to Ghana. Goalkeeper Esther Maulidi is expected to start, although Mercy Sikelo remains an option, while veteran defender Maggie Chavula could return to strengthen the back line. Malawi are likely to defend deep before looking for quick counter-attacks whenever Nigeria lose possession.
Players to watch
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
The Super Falcons captain will be responsible for driving Nigeria's attack with her pace, leadership and ability to create chances from wide areas.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Africa's best goalkeeper over the past three years, Nnadozie could play a vital role if Malawi's counter-attacks become dangerous.
Temwa Chawinga (Malawi)
The Kansas City Current star is Malawi's biggest hope. Her speed and finishing ability mean she can punish even the smallest defensive mistake.
Key battles
Temwa Chawinga vs Michelle Alozie
This may be the most important duel of the match. Chawinga's explosive pace will test Alozie throughout the evening. If Nigeria can stop Chawinga from running behind the defence, they will remove Malawi's biggest attacking threat.
Deborah Abiodun vs Malawi's midfield
Abiodun's passing and ball-winning ability will be essential. Malawi are expected to crowd the middle of the pitch, meaning Nigeria must move the ball quickly to create openings.
Joy Omewa vs Malawi's centre-backs
Coach Madugu will likely start Joy Omewa ahead of veteran forward Asisat Oshoala and Chinwendu Ihezuo. If she gets the nod, her physical presence and movement inside the box will challenge Chimwemwe Madise and Ireen Khumalo. If Malawi's defenders lose concentration, Omewa has the quality to punish them.
Likely lineups
Nigeria (4-3-3): Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Imuran; Ucheibe, Abiodun, Echegini; Ajibade, Oshoala, Gift Monday.
Malawi (4-4-2): Maulidi; Alufandika, Madise, Khumalo, Chavula; Kadzere, Chinyamula, Nguluwe, Simwaka; Tabitha Chawinga, Temwa Chawinga.
Match details
Competition: Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026
Group: Group C
Fixture: Nigeria vs Malawi
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Kick-off: 9:00 pm WAT
Venue: Stade El Barid, Rabat, Morocco
Prediction
Nigeria begin the tournament with more experience, greater squad depth and higher-quality players across every position. Malawi's best chance will come through the pace of Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga on the counter-attack. If Nigeria lose concentration at the back, the debutants are capable of scoring.
However, over 90 minutes, the Super Falcons should have too much quality. With Ajibade creating chances, Omewa leading the line and Echegini pulling the strings in midfield, Nigeria are expected to dominate possession and create the better opportunities.
It may not be an easy night because Malawi will defend in numbers, but Nigeria have enough attacking firepower to begin their title defence with a victory.
Predicted score: Nigeria 3-1 Malawi.
