By Dorcas Francis Koji
Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has warned against underestimating tournament debutants Malawi, insisting that Nigeria will approach their opening Group C fixture at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with total focus and respect.
The defending champions face the Scorchers on Tuesday as they begin their quest for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Although Malawi are making their first appearance at Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament, Madugu believes their qualification campaign proves they are capable of causing problems for any opponent.
The Scorchers booked their historic place at WAFCON after defeating Angola 2-0 on aggregate during the qualifiers, becoming one of the tournament’s newest entrants.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Madugu stressed that Nigeria would not take the newcomers lightly.
“We respect every team participating in this tournament. Malawi may be making their debut, but they have shown they are a quality side, and we will not underestimate them. Every nation here has worked hard to qualify and has its own ambitions,” he said.
“Our focus remains clear. We know what we want to achieve, and we are determined to stay on course. We want to defend the title we won last year and also secure qualification for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
Nigeria enters the tournament as Africa’s most successful women’s national team, having lifted the continental trophy 10 times.
The Super Falcons successfully retained their crown last year after staging a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final.
Drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt, Nigeria knows that victory in the opening fixture would provide the perfect platform for another successful title challenge.
After facing Malawi, the Falcons will take on Zambia before concluding their group-stage campaign against Egypt, with all three matches crucial to securing a place in the knockout rounds.
The 2026 WAFCON also serves as Africa’s qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will earn automatic qualification, while one additional African nation will advance through the intercontinental play-offs.
With expectations once again high, Madugu has urged his players to remain disciplined and avoid complacency as they begin another campaign aimed at cementing Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.
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