Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown on Tuesday when they face tournament debutants Malawi in their opening Group C fixture at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, as they launch their bid for a record-extending 11th continental title.
The tournament, which runs from July 26 to August 16, has expanded to 16 teams for the first time, making this year’s edition the biggest in the competition’s history.
The nine-time African champions, who remain the most successful team in the history of the competition, head into the tournament as one of the favourites after completing their final preparations in Morocco under the guidance of head coach Justine Madugu.
Nigeria’s opening encounter against Malawi is scheduled for July 28 at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off fixed for 9 p.m. Nigerian time. It will be followed by another crucial Group C clash against Zambia on August 1 at the same venue before the Super Falcons conclude their group-stage campaign against Egypt on August 5 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Historic mission begins
For the Super Falcons, this year’s championship is about more than defending their continental crown.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is expected to lead by example, while six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala brings vast experience and proven goalscoring ability.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest shot-stoppers, is also expected to play a crucial role as Nigeria seeks another successful campaign.
The team heads into the competition in positive spirits after concluding its preparations in Morocco, where the coaching crew focused on tactical organisation, fitness and team chemistry ahead of the opening fixture.
Eyes on continental glory
The 2026 edition of WAFCON carries added significance beyond the battle for continental supremacy.
The tournament also serves as Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification, making every match even more important.
For the Super Falcons, however, the immediate focus remains defending the title they currently hold.
Nigeria has built an enviable legacy in African women’s football through decades of consistency, producing generations of outstanding players who have inspired the growth of the women’s game across the continent.
As the countdown to Tuesday’s opener against Malawi continues, expectations among Nigerian football fans remain high.
A convincing victory would not only provide the perfect start to the campaign but also reinforce Nigeria’s credentials as favourites to lift the trophy once again.
With challenging encounters against Zambia and Egypt still to come, the Super Falcons know there is little room for complacency. Yet, armed with experience, quality and an unmatched winning tradition, they will enter the tournament determined to write another glorious chapter in the history of African women’s football by capturing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.
Source: Blueprint
