Nigeria’s defence of their WAFCON title begins on Tuesday when they take on tournament debutants Malawi in their opening Group C fixture at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
The Super Falcons head into the tournament chasing a record-extending 11th continental title. They remain the only nation in the competition’s history to have successfully defended the crown, doing so on six previous occasions.
A place in the semi-finals would also secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, marking what would be Nigeria’s 10th appearance on the global stage.
Tuesday’s encounter will also be Justin Madugu’s first WAFCON match as Nigeria’s permanent head coach after guiding the Super Falcons to the 2024 title in an interim capacity. It will also be his sixth WAFCON finals as part of Nigeria’s technical crew, having been an assistant coach when the Super Falcons lifted the trophy in 2014 and 2018.
The reigning African champions know they cannot afford another slow start after opening both the 2018 and 2022 editions with defeats to South Africa despite entering those tournaments as defending champions.
Opening Day Pedigree
Nigeria have traditionally made strong starts at the WAFCON, scoring in 12 of their 13 opening matches. Their biggest opening-day victory remains the 8-0 thrashing of hosts Morocco at the 1998 finals, a result that remains the biggest winning margin in the competition’s history.
Several players in the current squad have also made their mark in tournament openers. Francisca Ordega scored in Nigeria’s opening victories over Mali in both 2010 and 2016, while Asisat Oshoala netted four times in the 6-0 win in the latter tournament.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was on target in Nigeria’s opening fixture against South Africa in 2022, while Oshoala was again among the goalscorers in Nigeria’s first match of the 2024 edition against Tunisia, alongside Rinsola Babajide and Chinwendu Ihezuo.
History Favours the Super Falcons
Tuesday’s encounter will be the first meeting between Nigeria and Malawi at the WAFCON.
The Super Falcons have never lost to a nation making its tournament debut, winning 16 of their previous 17 matches against first-time participants. The only side to avoid defeat against Nigeria on their WAFCON debut was Tunisia, who held the Super Falcons to a goalless draw in 2008.
Meet the Scorchers
Malawi arrive in Morocco for their first appearance at the WAFCON after an impressive qualifying campaign.
The Scorchers booked their place at the finals by overcoming Angola in the final qualifying round. After holding Angola to a goalless draw away from home, Malawi completed the job with a 2-0 victory in the return leg.
Nineteen-year-old Faith Chinzimu was the hero of that tie, scoring both goals in the closing stages to help Malawi secure a historic place at the finals. The BK Häcken forward has emerged as one of Malawi’s brightest young talents.
Malawi will also rely on the experienced Chawinga sisters. Temwa Chawinga has established herself as one of Africa’s leading forwards with Kansas City Current, while Tabitha Chawinga brings a wealth of experience from French champions OL Lyonnes.
MATCH DETAILS:
Match: Nigeria vs Malawi
Date: Tuesday, 28 July 2026
Time: 9:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Al Madina Stadium, Rabat
What they said
Justin Madugu (Nigeria head coach):
“They are debutants in the WAFCON, but they are a very good side. We’re not taking any team for granted. Everybody is coming here with a purpose, so you don’t undermine or underestimate what anybody can do.”
Lovemore Fazili (Malawi head coach):
“Nigeria are the champions, but sometimes history in football can change. We have seen before small teams doing wonders. When we qualified, it was not an easy task. We fought for it, and definitely we are going to do the same when we play Nigeria.”
How to Watch
The match will be broadcast through CAF’s official media partners worldwide. Fans across Europe, Asia, Central America, South America and the Caribbean can also watch the tournament live on CAF TV via YouTube in selected markets.
Additional coverage will be available on DAZN (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), Sport 5 (Israel), Sport Italia (Italy) and Ziggo Sport (Netherlands).
