Super Falcons v Malawi: Five Scorchers players who could upset Nigeria’s WAFCON title defence

Nigeria begin the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown on Tuesday night knowing they must contain a dangerous Malawi side led by prolific forward Tabitha Chawinga if they are to make a winning start in Group C.

The Super Falcons, 10-time African champions, face tournament debutants Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on 28 July 2026 as overwhelming favourites on paper. But the Scorchers arrive in Morocco with an ambitious, attack-minded squad and several players capable of troubling the holders.

Malawi’s frontline is built around the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, whose goalscoring records at international level underline the threat they pose. A blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent supports them, giving the debutants enough quality to punish any lapse in concentration from Nigeria.

Here are the five Malawi players the Super Falcons will most need to subdue if they are to start their WAFCON 2026 campaign with three points.

Tabitha Chawinga – the Scorchers’ leading light

Tabitha Chawinga, of Olympique Lyon, is the standout name in the Malawi squad and the focal point of their attack. Renowned for her blistering acceleration, sharp movement off the ball and ruthless finishing, she is the player Nigeria will be most wary of.

The 30-year-old comes into the tournament with a formidable international record: 25 goals in just 11 appearances for Malawi. Any space behind the Super Falcons’ back line is likely to be seized upon by Chawinga, whose ability to run in behind and finish with either foot makes her a constant danger.

Nigeria’s defence will need to track her closely for the full 90 minutes. Allowing her time to turn or operate between the lines could quickly swing the contest in Malawi’s favour.

Temwa Chawinga – completing a lethal family partnership

Lining up alongside her older sister, 27-year-old Temwa Chawinga gives Malawi one of the most potent attacking duos in African women’s football.

The younger Chawinga, formerly of Wuhan Jianghan University FC, mirrors many of Tabitha’s strengths. She combines explosive pace with direct dribbling and a composed final touch, making her equally capable of creating chances or finishing them herself.

Her statistics for the Scorchers are just as eye-catching: Temwa has scored 25 goals in 15 appearances for her country. If Nigeria focus too heavily on Tabitha, Temwa has the quality to exploit the extra space and punish any defensive imbalance.

Kabzere – Malawi’s midfield conductor

In midfield, Kabzere provides the control and composure that allows Malawi’s forwards to flourish. The Montpellier player is central to the Scorchers’ tactical approach, setting the rhythm from the heart of the pitch.

Kabzere is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, retaining possession and switching play. If she is allowed time to operate, she can dictate the tempo and pick out passes that release the Chawinga sisters and the rest of the attack.

With three goals in 11 appearances for Malawi, she also carries a threat arriving from midfield. For the Super Falcons, disrupting Kabzere’s influence will be crucial in preventing Malawi from building sustained pressure.

Chimzimu – the teenager who has already hurt Nigeria

Chimzimu is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in the Malawi squad and has already demonstrated her quality against Nigerian opposition.

The 19-year-old BK Hacken midfielder made a name for herself with Nigerian fans in March, scoring both goals in Malawi’s 2-1 victory over the Falconets in the second leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier. Despite her brace, Malawi were eliminated 3-2 on aggregate, but her performance underlined her potential on the big stage.

Dynamic and technically gifted, Chimzimu combines speed with close control and an instinct for goal. Comfortable across attacking midfield and forward positions, she can drift into pockets of space and pose a consistent threat in the final third.

Now a club team-mate of Super Falcons midfielder Halimatu Ayinde at Swedish side BK Hacken, she will be eager to impress once again against Nigerian opposition and test the African champions’ defensive organisation.

Veteran striker brings experience to Scorchers’ attack

Alongside the headline names in attack, Malawi will also rely on a seasoned striker who adds depth and experience to their forward line.

The 30-year-old has gathered significant top-level exposure during spells with TP Mazembe in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzanian giants Simba Queens. Her understanding of African club football and high-pressure fixtures could prove invaluable in guiding the Scorchers through their first WAFCON campaign.

Expected to share the goalscoring responsibilities with Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga, she offers intelligent movement and calm finishing. Her presence gives Malawi another attacking option for Nigeria to monitor, particularly if the game becomes stretched or tactical changes are required.

High stakes for champions and debutants

Nigeria enter the tie as clear favourites, but Malawi’s mix of proven goalscorers and emerging talents ensures this is unlikely to be a straightforward assignment for the Super Falcons.

With the Chawinga sisters providing a cutting edge, Kabzere orchestrating play from midfield, Chimzimu adding youthful flair and the veteran forward supplying know-how and composure, the WAFCON debutants have enough quality to create problems for the defending champions.

For Nigeria, keeping these five Scorchers quiet could be the key to launching a successful defence of their WAFCON title in Rabat.