Malawi's Chawinga Asks Super Falcons for a Light Match in Opener

Malawi captain, Tabitha Chawinga, has jokingly asked the Super Falcons not to score too many goals against her team when they meet in their opening Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, Morocco. This comes as Nigeria's friendly match against Ghana, which was set for Saturday in Casablanca, has been canceled.

During a pre-tournament discussion with several African stars, including Ghana’s Cynthia Konlan and Egypt’s Nadine Ghazi, Super Falcons forward, Asisat Oshoala, made fun of the Chawinga sisters due to Nigeria’s strong record in African women’s football. This led to a light-hearted request from Chawinga.

“Super Falcons need to calm down. Do not give us 5-0, please. 1-0 is enough,” Chawinga said. This exchange has been widely shared on social media since it happened.

The Super Falcons are heading to Morocco as the reigning champions. They reclaimed the trophy in 2025 and are the most successful team in the tournament's history with 10 titles. They are now aiming for their 11th crown.

Nigeria is in Group C with Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt, and will kick off their campaign against Malawi on July 28. All group matches will take place in Rabat.

The Super Falcons' official account on X also confirmed that their friendly against Ghana's Black Queens, which was planned for Saturday at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca, will not happen.

“The friendly match between the Super Falcons and the Black Queens planned for Saturday, 18 July 2026 in Casablanca is off, due to unforeseen circumstances,” the statement said.

Nigeria began their training camp in Casablanca on Monday under head coach Justine Madugu. Players in camp include captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Fatima Oloko, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Ogbonna, Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo, and Rofiat Imuran, as well as midfielder Jennifer Echegini and Oshoala.

The 14th edition of WAFCON will run from July 19 to August 8. The four teams that reach the semi-finals will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The fifth-placed team will move on to an intercontinental play-off for another chance to qualify.