Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has cautioned his squad against dismissing Malawi as they prepare for their first match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria enters the tournament as the defending champion and a 10-time winner, yet Madugu maintains that every competitor in Group C requires serious consideration.
Although the Malawian team is playing in the continental tournament for the first time after their aggregate victory over Angola, Madugu stressed that the Super Falcons must remain disciplined. The coach emphasized that Nigeria’s main goals include repeating as champions and securing a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted in Brazil.
Last year, Nigeria claimed its 10th title by overcoming a two-goal deficit against Morocco. To replicate this success, the team will start their campaign against Malawi, followed by fixtures against Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5. Because the tournament also determines qualification for the upcoming World Cup, the pressure on the four semi-finalists to advance is significant.
