The Super Falcons of Nigeria don ready to defend dia WAFCON crown as dem face Malawi for opening group C match for Rabat, Morocco. Dis match go happen on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 by 9pm Nigerian time. Nigeria na defending champions and most successful team for competition history, with 10 WAFCON titles under dia belt.
Di Falcons go return to same city where dem produce one of di most memorable comebacks for last year final. Dem recover from two goals down to beat Morocco 3-2 and lift trophy. Dis year competition dey expanded to 16 teams and also serve as qualifier for 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for Brazil. Di four semi-finalists go get automatic ticket.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade dey expected to be central to Nigeria attack and leadership. Di PSG star win Player of Tournament for last WAFCON. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, wey be three-time CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of Year, go provide solid hand for back. Asisat Oshoala, six-time African Women’s Footballer of Year, bring experience and goal-scoring power. Esther Okoronkwo wey score key goals for last final, including penalty and two assists, go dey vital for attack. Halimatu Ayinde go shield defence and dictate tempo for midfield. Chinonyerem Ihezuo, wey score three goals for last edition, go add pace and physical presence.
For Malawi side, Temwa Chawinga of Kansas City Current and Tabitha Chawinga of Lyon na di biggest threats. Temwa get pace and finishing wey fit cause trouble for Nigeria defence if dem no careful. Tabitha bring experience and ability to link play.
Head-to-head, Nigeria don face Malawi twice before for senior women level. Di first match for 2012 end 1-1 draw for Blantyre. Nigeria win second leg 2-0 for Abuja for 2013. Overall, Nigeria unbeaten with one win and one draw.
Nigeria go miss defender Ashleigh Plumptre wey dey recover from long injury. But di squad get plenty stars like Michelle Alozie, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne, Gift Monday and Deborah Abiodun. Dem don prepare well with 2-1 victory over Tanzania for final warm-up match.
Dis match go show if Super Falcons fit start strong for dia title defence. With blend of experience and youth, dem dey ready to make history again.
