Rabat – The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) continues on Tuesday evening as defending champions Nigeria face tournament newcomers Malawi in the opening Group C fixture at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
Kick-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. Morocco time (WET), with Nigeria looking to launch another title-winning campaign while Malawi hopes to make history in its first-ever appearance at Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament.
Match Details
- Fixture: Nigeria vs Malawi
- Competition: WAFCON 2026 – Group C (Matchday 1)
- Venue: Al Madina Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
- Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
- Kick-off: 21:00 WET (Morocco) / 20:00 UTC / 21:00 WAT / 22:00 CAT
How to Watch
- Morocco / MENA: Arryadia (SNRT), beIN Sports
- Nigeria: NTA Sports, SuperSport
- Malawi: SuperSport, MBC TV
- International Streaming: CAF TV (YouTube) in selected territories
Nigeria Chasing an 11th Continental Crown
Nigeria enters the tournament as Africa’s most successful women’s national team, having lifted the WAFCON trophy a record 10 times. The Super Falcons reclaimed the title at the 2024 edition after coming from two goals down to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final.
Tuesday’s match marks Nigeria’s 68th match in WAFCON history, more than any other nation, and the team has reached at least the semifinals in every edition it has played. An 11th title would also secure qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the 10th time.
The Super Falcons have an impressive record against tournament newcomers. In their previous 17 matches against WAFCON debutants, they have won 16 and drawn one, scoring 67 goals while conceding only four. They have never lost to a debutant, with their only slip coming in a goalless draw against Tunisia in 2008.
This will also be the first-ever WAFCON meeting between Nigeria and Malawi.
Malawi Ready for a Historic Debut
The Scorchers are making history by appearing at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time. Malawi secured qualification by defeating Angola 2-0 on aggregate, thanks to a second-leg brace from 19-year-old Faith Chinzimu.
Head coach Lovemore Fazili arrives in Morocco after guiding Malawi to its first COSAFA Women’s Championship title in 2023. The team also strengthened its technical staff by appointing experienced coach Sudesh Singh as technical advisor ahead of the tournament.
Although newcomers, Malawi boasts one of Africa’s most dangerous attacking units through sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga. Tabitha plays for French giants Olympique Lyonnais, while Temwa stars for Kansas City Current in the United States, giving the Scorchers world-class attacking quality despite their lack of WAFCON experience.
Team News
Nigeria enters the opener with a fully fit squad and no suspension concerns. Head coach Justine Madugu, who led the Super Falcons to the 2024 title and was named Coach of the Tournament, is expected to field a strong lineup led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade and CAF Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Malawi also has a full squad available. Alongside the Chawinga sisters, young midfielder Faith Chinzimu will be one of the key players to watch after emerging as one of the country’s brightest talents during qualification.
What to Expect
Nigeria is expected to dominate possession from the outset, using its experience and technical superiority to control the game through quick passing and attacks down the flanks.
Malawi, meanwhile, is likely to sit deep and rely on rapid counterattacks, with the pace of Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga posing the biggest threat to Nigeria’s defense.
With Nigeria’s outstanding record against tournament debutants and Malawi eager to make a memorable first impression, Group C promises an entertaining opening contest in Rabat.
Despite Malawi’s dangerous attacking weapons, Nigeria’s experience, depth, and remarkable WAFCON pedigree make the defending champions overwhelming favorites.zambia vs egypt
Prediction: Nigeria 3-1 Malawi
