Super Falcons Open WAFCON 2026 Title Defence Against Malawi in Morocco

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have begun the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, opening the 2026 tournament in Morocco against WAFCON debutants Malawi. The Falcons are chasing an unprecedented 11th continental title, a record no other women’s national team on the continent has come close to matching.

The squad selection leaned on a blend of experienced campaigners and a handful of uncapped players, reflecting an ongoing generational transition within the team. Nigeria go into the tournament as favourites on paper, but African women’s football has grown noticeably more competitive, with sides like South Africa, Morocco and Zambia narrowing the gap.

This year’s WAFCON also doubles as a qualification pathway toward the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, giving every group-stage match direct bearing on Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions.