Nigeria vs Malawi: Preview, team news, key battles as Super Falcons begin WAFCON title defence

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.