Defending champions Nigeria will kick off their campaign for an 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title against Malawi on Tuesday at 9pm. Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu said his team will not take their Group C opponents lightly.
Here is how both teams will lineup.
Nigeria Starting XI
Nnadozie, Ohale, Okoronkwo, Ijamilusi, Echegini, Demehin, Ajibade, Ayinde, Ihezuo, Alozie, Oladipo
Malawi Starting XI
Sikelo, Madise, Kadzere, Temwa, Chawinga, Madyina, Chinyamula, Chimzimu, Khumalo, Alufandinka, Mkandawire
The TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 Group C opener will take place at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat. This match features Africa’s top women’s national team against Malawi, who are making their first appearance at this level.
The CAF website described the match as “a clash of contrasts.” It said, “On one side is Nigeria, the 10-time defending champions. On the other side is Malawi, the tournament’s underdog, preparing to play their first-ever match in the final stages of the continental showpiece.”
CAF also mentioned, “On paper, this looks like a David versus Goliath match. But as both teams get ready to step onto the pitch, they show strong ambition, fueled by focused speeches.”
Even with Nigeria’s strong history, Madugu said his players will respect the Scorchers.
“We are here to defend our title and secure our qualification for the World Cup. The team is fully prepared and ready for battle.
“We respect Malawi. They are a very good team, and we are taking nothing for granted,” Madugu said.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade also emphasized that winning is more important than style.
“For us, a good performance means taking all three points. That is what really matters in a tournament like this. If you play well but don’t win, it is pointless. We approach every opponent with humility, but our goal is clear,” Ajibade said.
Malawi has come to Morocco ready to surprise the African champions.
Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili rejected claims that his team will just be there to make up the numbers.
“Getting this far means we are ready for this match. People may underestimate us, but we are a good team, capable of causing an upset. We are not victims,” Fazili said.
The Southern Africans will count on their star players, Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, to lead them against the Super Falcons.
Captain Tabitha Chawinga called their participation a lifelong dream and encouraged her teammates to play without fear.
“It was my dream to play in the WAFCON. The time has come. We know Nigeria’s worth. They are a great nation, but we must focus on ourselves. Our players need to compete without any inferiority complex,” Chawinga said.
CAF reports that Nigeria has never lost to a debutant nation at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since it began in 1998.
The Super Falcons aim to keep the title they won in Morocco previously, while Malawi hopes for a dream start on their first appearance at the championship.
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