Onome Ebi's teammate Ajibade captains Nigeria in WAFCON opener against Malawi as Super Falcons begin title defence

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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.

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Here is how both teams line up.

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Nigeria Starting XI

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Nnadozie, Ohale, Okoronkwo, Ijamilusi, Echegini, Demehin, Ajibade, Ayinde, Ihezuo, Alozie, Oladipo

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Malawi Starting XI

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Sikelo, Madise, Kadzere, Temwa, Chawinga, Madyina, Chinyamula, Chimzimu, Khumalo, Alufandinka, Mkandawire

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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Despite Nigeria’s pedigree, Madugu said his players would approach the encounter with maximum respect for the Scorchers.

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“We are here to defend our title and secure our qualification for the World Cup. The team is fully prepared and ready for battle.

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“We have deep respect for Malawi. They are a very good team, and we are taking absolutely nothing for granted,” Madugu said.

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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.

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Malawi, however, have arrived in Morocco determined to spring a surprise against the African champions.

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Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili dismissed suggestions that his side would merely make up the numbers.

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“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.

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The Southern Africans will look to their star sisters, Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, to inspire them against the Super Falcons.

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Captain Tabitha Chawinga described the tournament appearance as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition while urging her teammates to compete without fear.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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