Nigeria launch WAFCON title defence against debutants Malawi in Rabat

Nigeria begin the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown on Tuesday night when the Super Falcons face first-time qualifiers Malawi in their Group C opener at Stade El Barid in Rabat.

Justine Madugu’s team return to Morocco barely a year after lifting the trophy in the same country, and they arrive as Africa’s top-ranked women’s side and the continent’s most decorated women’s national team, with 10 titles already to their name.

The Super Falcons come into the tournament in positive mood after a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their final warm-up match, a result that has underlined expectations of an 11th continental championship. However, preparations have not been flawless, with defender Ashleigh Plumptre ruled out of the competition after failing to fully recover from a long-term injury.

Squad boosts and key players

Madugu has received a timely boost on the eve of the game, with Washington Spirit pair Deborah Abiodun and Gift Monday managing to overcome travel disruptions from the United States to join up with the squad in Morocco ahead of kick-off.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is available to lead the side, while first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is also fit. Six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala is in contention as well, giving Madugu a strong pool of senior players to select from for Nigeria’s opening fixture.

The coach is expected to lean heavily on the experience and attacking quality within his squad as Nigeria seek to set the tone for their campaign from the very first match.

Malawi’s historic first appearance

Malawi, known as the Scorchers, are making their debut at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and face a daunting introduction against the defending champions. Their build-up has been less encouraging, with a 4-0 defeat by Ghana in their final pre-tournament friendly highlighting the challenge ahead.

Coach Lovemore Fazili’s side will rely on the pace and firepower of sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga in attack. Temwa, who plays for Kansas City Current, is regarded as Malawi’s primary danger on the counter-attack, with her speed and direct running seen as central to any hopes of upsetting Nigeria.

Historical edge for Super Falcons

Nigeria go into the contest with a clear historical advantage. The Super Falcons and Malawi have faced each other only twice previously, both meetings coming in qualifying for the 2014 African Women’s Championship.

On that occasion, Nigeria earned a 1-1 draw away from home before securing a 2-0 win in the return leg, results that underline the Super Falcons’ status as favourites once again.

With the champions aiming for an unprecedented 11th continental crown and Malawi stepping out on the WAFCON stage for the first time, the Group C clash in Rabat sets contrasting storylines in motion as Nigeria’s title defence officially gets under way.