Super Falcons Open WAFCON 2026 Title Defence Against Malawi on Sunday

Nigeria's Super Falcons will begin the defence of their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on Sunday when they take on Malawi in their opening Group C match of the 2026 tournament in Morocco.

The nine-time African champions enter the competition aiming to secure a record-extending 11th continental title in a tournament that runs from July 26 to August 16 and features 16 nations.

Drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi, Nigeria will open their campaign against Malawi before facing Zambia on July 31 and Egypt on August 4.

Head coach Justin Madugu has named a squad that combines experienced internationals with emerging talents as the Super Falcons seek to maintain their status as Africa's dominant force in women's football.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade leads the squad alongside goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, while the attacking line includes Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi.

Nigeria are widely expected to progress from the group, although Zambia are viewed as their toughest opponents. The Copper Queens boast two of Africa's most dangerous forwards in reigning BBC Women's Footballer of the Year Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji.

The Super Falcons, however, will draw confidence from their commanding 5-0 victory over Zambia in the quarter-finals of the previous WAFCON tournament.

Egypt return to the continental championship after missing the last edition, while Malawi will be making their first appearance at the expanded competition.

Despite Nigeria's rich history in the tournament, Madugu insisted his players remain focused and are not taking any opponent lightly.

"We know every team now believes they can challenge Nigeria. We have to earn every victory through discipline, hard work and consistency," the coach said.

Beyond the continental title, the tournament also carries significant stakes for qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the global tournament, while the losing quarter-finalists will compete for two additional places through the intercontinental playoffs.

CAF has also significantly increased the tournament's financial rewards. The champions will receive $2 million, while the overall prize fund has risen to $5.8 million. Each participating nation will earn $150,000.

Host nation Morocco, runners-up at the last edition, are among the favourites after reaching the 2022 final under coach Jorge Vilda. South Africa, who won the 2022 title, and returning Ghana are also expected to mount strong challenges.

Matches will be played across five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca, with the top two teams from each of the four groups advancing to the quarter-finals beginning on August 8.

Since the Women's Africa Cup of Nations was introduced in 1998, Nigeria have won 10 of the 13 editions, making the Super Falcons by far the most successful team in the competition's history. They will be aiming to strengthen that legacy with another title-winning campaign in Morocco.