AFCON 2025
The road to an 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title begins on Tuesday night as defending champions Nigeria take on tournament debutants Malawi in Rabat.
For the Super Falcons, the objective is simple: start the title defence with three points before tougher Group C tests against Zambia and Egypt. For the Scorchers, this is already a historic occasion. They are playing their first-ever WAFCON match and have nothing to lose against Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
Here are five things to know ahead of the clash.
1. The Super Falcons begin another title defence
With 10 WAFCON titles, no nation has dominated African women’s football like the Super Falcons.
Tuesday’s encounter at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat is the first step in another quest for continental glory and a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Malawi, meanwhile, are embarking on unfamiliar territory. This is the Scorchers’ maiden appearance at the tournament, making the occasion one of the biggest moments in the country’s football history.
While Nigeria are expected to challenge for the trophy, Malawi’s immediate ambition is to prove they belong among Africa’s elite.
2. History and the rankings heavily favour Nigeria
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations in women’s international football, meaning there is no previous head-to-head record to draw from.
The FIFA rankings, however, paint a clear picture of the gulf between both sides.
Nigeria sit 36th in the world and remain Africa’s highest-ranked women’s team, while Malawi occupy 153rd globally and 32nd on the continent.
3. Form points towards the Super Falcons
Justin Madugu’s side head into the tournament in encouraging form, winning four of their last five matches.
Victories over Cameroon, Senegal and most recently Tanzania have seen the Super Falcons score 11 goals while conceding five, underlining the balance between their attacking quality and defensive solidity.
Malawi’s preparations have been far less convincing.
The Scorchers have failed to win any of their last five matches, recording one draw and four defeats. During that run, they managed just two goals while conceding 13, including heavy losses to Australia and Ghana.
Although tournament football has a habit of producing surprises, current form suggests Nigeria should approach this fixture with confidence.
4. Expect a battle between Nigeria’s depth and Malawi’s star forwards
If Malawi are to cause an upset, much will depend on sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga.
The pair represent the biggest attacking threat in the Malawian squad. Tabitha, who plays for Lyon, boasts an extraordinary international scoring record, while Temwa has established herself as one of the most feared forwards in the NWSL.
Nigeria’s central defensive partnership will need to remain disciplined, particularly during transitions, where the Chawinga sisters are at their most dangerous.
At the other end, the Super Falcons possess significantly greater depth.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is expected to spearhead the attack alongside Esther Okoronkwo and Toni Payne, while Jennifer Echegini’s creativity in midfield could prove decisive against a deep defensive block. Behind them, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie provides one of the safest pairs of hands on the continent.
If Nigeria dominate possession as expected, their ability to create chances from wide areas and set-pieces could eventually wear Malawi down.
5. Team news and the likely line-ups
Nigeria are expected to stick with Justin Madugu’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
A likely starting XI could see Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal, with Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin and Rofiat Imuran across the back four. Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun are expected to anchor midfield behind Jennifer Echegini, while Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo and Toni Payne lead the attack.
Malawi’s preferred formation has varied in recent matches, but the Scorchers are expected to line up with Mercy Sikelo in goal and build their attack around the dangerous Chawinga sisters, supported by experienced midfielder Wezzie Mvula.
On paper, Nigeria possess superior quality across every department. However, if Malawi can remain compact defensively and exploit space on the counter-attack, they could make life uncomfortable for the defending champions.
The expectation remains that the Super Falcons will have too much firepower over 90 minutes, but in tournament football, the first hurdle is often the trickiest. Tuesday night will reveal whether Nigeria can begin their WAFCON title defence with the statement victory many expect.
