WAFCON 2026: Nigeria vs Malawi Preview
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria will take on Malawi in their first ever encounter at the Women’s Africa Cup Of Nations (WAFCON) game at the Al Madina Stadium, Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria has a slight upper hand historically. They have played Malawi twice before (in 2014 qualifiers), winning one match 2-0 and settling for a 1-1 draw in the other.
The match takes place in Rabat, the same city where Nigeria defeated Morocco 3-2 to win the title last year.
Malawi led by their influential forward, Tabitha Chawinga are debutants in the WAFCON after defeating Angola 2-0 on aggregate to qualify for their maiden Africa showpiece.
As 10 times African record champions, Nigeria enters the tournament determined to extend its legacy under head coach Justin Madugu and secure direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Scorchers making their historic first-ever appearance, arrive after a dominant qualification campaign and remain fully capable of posing serious problems.
The Falcons poses a dangerous attacking clique led by skipper, Rasheedat Ajibade, goal poacher, Asisat Oshoala, while maintaining a solid defensive approach from goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Shukurat Oladipo and others.
The Chawinga sisters (Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga) will lead the Scorchers who’s the lowest ranked team in the tournament as they hope to cause a major upset.
The game will be played at the Al Madina Stadium, Rabat, Morocco on Tuesday, July 28 by 9m Nigeria local time.
