Defending champions Nigeria will begin their quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title against tournament debutants Malawi on Tuesday 9pm, with Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu insisting his side will not underestimate their Group C opponents.
Here is how both teams line up.
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 at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat pitches Africa’s most successful women’s national team against a Malawi side making its first-ever appearance at the continental finals.
Describing the fixture as “a clash of contrasts”, the CAF website said on Tuesday, “On one side has the continent’s outright powerhouse – Nigeria, the 10-time defending champions. On the other end, Malawi – the tournament’s underdog, preparing to play their first-ever match in the final stages of the continental showpiece.”
CAF added that, “On paper, the confrontation has all the hallmarks of a David versus Goliath clash. But on the eve of taking to the pitch, both teams displayed undiminished ambition, fueled by speeches resolutely focused on the game.”
Despite Nigeria’s pedigree, Madugu said his players would approach the encounter with maximum respect for 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 have deep respect for Malawi. They are a very good team, and we are taking absolutely nothing for granted,” Madugu said.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade also stressed that victory, rather than style, remained Nigeria’s primary objective.
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“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 objective is clear,” Ajibade said.
Malawi, however, have arrived in Morocco determined to spring a surprise against the African champions.
Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili dismissed suggestions that his side would merely make up the numbers.
“Getting this far means that we are ready for this match. People may underestimate us but we are a good team, capable of causing an upset. We are not resigned victims,” Fazili said.
The Southern Africans will look to their star sisters, Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, to inspire them against the Super Falcons.
Captain Tabitha Chawinga described the tournament appearance as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition while urging her teammates to compete 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.
According to CAF, “Nigeria have never lost to a debutant nation at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since the competition’s inaugural edition in 1998.”
The Super Falcons are aiming to retain the title they won in Morocco at the previous edition, while Malawi will be seeking a dream start on their maiden appearance at the continental championship.
