The champions are back. After conquering Africa once again with a breathtaking comeback victory over hosts Morocco last year, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are ready to begin another journey toward continental glory.
Standing in their way are tournament debutants Malawi, a nation eager to announce itself on Africa’s biggest women’s football stage with two of the continent’s most dangerous forwards leading the charge.
When both teams step onto the pitch at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday night, it will be more than just another group-stage match.
For Nigeria, it marks the beginning of a mission to defend their crown, extend their dominance and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
For Malawi, it is the start of a historic adventure against the most successful women’s national team Africa has ever produced.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of one of the most anticipated opening fixtures of WAFCON 2026.
Super Falcons Begin Another Quest for History
It feels fitting that Nigeria begin their title defence in Rabat.
It was in the Moroccan capital that the Super Falcons produced one of the greatest comebacks in WAFCON history, recovering from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in last year’s dramatic final and reclaim the continental crown.
That victory delivered Nigeria’s 10th official WAFCON title, although many still recognize it as their 12th African championship after including triumphs in the tournament’s early editions in 1991 and 1995.
Now, under head coach Justine Madugu, the Super Falcons return to Morocco chasing another piece of history.
An unprecedented 11th WAFCON title officially and another reminder that Nigeria remain the undisputed queens of African women’s football.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons Remarkable Dominance
No nation has dominated African women’s football like Nigeria.
Including the championships won in 1991 and 1995, the Super Falcons have lifted the continental title 12 times out of a possible 15 tournaments.
Only two other nations have managed to interrupt Nigeria’s reign.
- Equatorial Guinea won in 2008 and 2012.
- South Africa lifted the trophy in 2022.
Nigeria reclaimed the title last year, proving their golden era remains alive despite growing competition across the continent.
A Difficult Road Before Kickoff
The Super Falcons’ preparations, however, have not been entirely smooth.
Their build-up to the tournament was disrupted after several players reportedly became victims of theft at the team’s hotel.
According to reports, a suspect has since been arrested and confessed to the crime.
The report also states that restitution is being made to the affected players while legal proceedings continue.
With that unfortunate distraction now behind them, Nigeria’s focus turns fully to football.
Malawi Arrive With Africa’s Most Feared Sisters
While Malawi are making their first-ever appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, they are anything but ordinary newcomers.
Their greatest weapon comes in the form of sisters Temwa Chawinga and Tabitha Chawinga, who are two of the biggest stars in African women’s football.
Tabitha, who plays for French giants Olympique Lyonnais, has established herself among the continent’s elite forwards.
Her younger sister, Temwa has taken the United States by storm with Kansas City Current, where she has already produced nine goals and two assists in 11 NWSL matches this season.
After years of heartbreak, administrative struggles and disagreements between players and the federation, Malawi have finally reached Africa’s biggest stage.
Their reward?
The toughest opening fixture imaginable.
Group C Promises Fierce Competition
Nigeria and Malawi are joined in Group C by two other ambitious sides; Zambia and Egypt.
Only the top two teams from the group will automatically qualify for the quarter-finals, making every point crucial from the very beginning.
For Nigeria, a winning start could provide valuable momentum ahead of tougher clashes against Zambia and Egypt.
For Malawi, even a point against the defending champions would represent one of the biggest results in the country’s football history.
Match Details
Fixture: Nigeria vs Malawi
Competition: TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026
Date: Tuesday, July 28
Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. WAT
Venue: Al Madina Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
Where To Watch
Fans across Africa and beyond will be able to follow the match through multiple broadcasters.
- Nigeria: AfroSport
- South Africa: SABC and SuperSport
- Germany and surrounding territories: DAZN
Early Team News
Nigeria will be without experienced defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who continues recovering from a long-term injury.
The Al-Ittihad defender has not yet regained full fitness and was omitted from Justine Madugu’s final squad.
Malawi’s biggest stars are both available.
During their recent 4-0 friendly defeat to Ghana, Temwa Chawinga started the match while Tabitha Chawinga was introduced from the bench.
Both sisters are expected to spearhead Malawi’s attack against Nigeria.
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
The Super Falcons captain enters the tournament carrying the responsibility of leading Africa’s most decorated women’s national team.
Her leadership, creativity and ability to influence big matches will be crucial throughout Nigeria’s title defence.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Widely regarded as Africa’s finest goalkeeper, Nnadozie will once again provide the foundation of Nigeria’s defence.
Her experience and shot-stopping ability could prove decisive against Malawi’s dangerous attack.
Gift Monday (Nigeria)
The in-form forward is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s frontline and continues to establish herself as one of the Super Falcons’ most exciting attacking talents, after missing out on the title winning WAFCON.
Temwa Chawinga (Malawi)
Few players arrive at WAFCON in better form.
Her blistering pace, intelligent movement and eye for goal have made her one of the NWSL’s standout performers this season.
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi)
An established star in European football, Tabitha brings experience, composure and a proven goalscoring record that makes Malawi capable of troubling even the strongest opponents.
The Numbers that Matter
- Nigeria have won 12 African titles if the 1991 and 1995 championships are included.
- The Super Falcons are the reigning WAFCON champions after defeating Morocco 3-2 in last year’s final.
- Malawi are making their first-ever appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
- Temwa Chawinga has registered nine goals and two assists in 11 NWSL matches for Kansas City Current this season.
- The top two teams from Group C will progress to the quarter-finals.
A New Chapter Begins
Every title defence starts with a single match, and for Nigeria, Tuesday’s game is an opportunity to remind Africa why the Super Falcons have ruled the continent for decades.
For Malawi, it is the chance to write the greatest chapter in their football history against the tournament’s most decorated side.
One team is chasing another crown.
The other is chasing a dream.
When the whistle blows in Rabat, WAFCON 2026 will deliver another chapter that could shape the destiny of both nations.
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