Defending champions Nigeria, proudly backed by Amstel Malta, launch their bid for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown when they face debutants Malawi in Tuesday’s Group C opener at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

The fixture marks the first-ever meeting between the Super Falcons and the Scorchers at the continental championship, with history firmly favouring the African champions.

Nigeria have never lost to a WAFCON debutant, winning 16 and drawing just one of their previous 17 matches against first-time participants. The Super Falcons have scored an impressive 67 goals while conceding only four in those encounters.

Their only slip against a debutant came in a goalless draw with Tunisia during the 2008 tournament.

The nine-time champions last faced debutants at the 2022 finals, recording comfortable victories over Botswana (2-0) and Burundi (4-0), and will be aiming to extend that dominance against a Malawi side making its maiden appearance on Africa’s biggest women’s football stage.

Nigeria enter the tournament as reigning champions after producing a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the 2024 final and reclaim the trophy following a fourth-place finish in 2022.

The Super Falcons remain the competition’s most successful team, having won 10 titles from 13 previous editions and reaching at least the semi-finals every time they have competed.

Tuesday’s encounter will also be Nigeria’s 68th match at the WAFCON finals—more than any other nation—and they will be seeking to improve on an opening-match record that stands at nine wins, two draws and two defeats.

However, history also offers a note of caution. Nigeria have lost the opening match in each of the last two tournaments in which they entered as defending champions, suffering defeats to South Africa in both 2018 and 2022.

Head coach Justine Madugu, who guided the Super Falcons to the title at the last edition and was named Coach of the Tournament, will be hoping to avoid a repeat as he begins his first title defence. Madugu is no stranger to continental success, having also served as assistant coach in Nigeria’s victorious campaigns of 2014 and 2018.

Malawi, meanwhile, arrive in Morocco buoyed by growing confidence after qualifying for their first WAFCON finals by defeating Angola 2-0 on aggregate. The Scorchers drew the first leg away before Faith Chinzimu struck twice late in the return fixture to seal qualification.

The Southern Africans are one of only two debutants at the 2026 finals, alongside Cape Verde, and will look to make an immediate impact under coach Lovemore Fazili, who guided the team to their maiden COSAFA Women’s Championship title in 2023.

Despite their newcomer status, Malawi possess several players capable of troubling the Nigerian defence. The Chawinga sisters—Temwa, who plays for Kansas City Current in the United States, and Tabitha of French giants Olympique Lyonnais—headline an exciting squad that also features 19-year-old Swedish-based forward Faith Chinzimu.

Malawi fine-tuned their preparations with friendly matches against Tanzania, Morocco and Ghana before heading to Rabat, where they will attempt to become only the second tournament debutant to avoid defeat against Nigeria.

For the Super Falcons, victory would not only provide the perfect start to their title defence but also reinforce their status as the team to beat as they pursue an unprecedented 11th continental crown and a place at the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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Zambia will be looking to maintain their impressive record against North African opposition when they take on Egypt for the first time in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.

The Group C encounter marks the first-ever WAFCON meeting between the two nations, with Zambia entering the contest as clear favourites based on recent tournament performances.

The Copper Queens are unbeaten in their previous two WAFCON matches against North African teams, having defeated Tunisia 1-0 in 2022 before sharing a thrilling 2-2 draw with tournament hosts Morocco in their opening match at the last edition.

That memorable clash against Morocco saw captain Barbra Banda score after just 58 seconds—the second-fastest goal in WAFCON history—before Racheal Kundananji also found the net in a match that ended level after Ghizlane Chebbak’s late equaliser.

Zambia arrive in Morocco for their fifth WAFCON appearance and fourth successive finals, buoyed by an impressive record that has seen them lose just one of their last 10 group-stage matches. They are unbeaten in their last seven group games, recording four wins and three draws.

Having finished third in 2022 to secure a historic FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification before reaching the quarter-finals at the last edition, the Copper Queens have firmly established themselves among the continent’s leading sides.

Much of Zambia’s attacking threat will once again rest on the shoulders of Kundananji, the country’s all-time leading WAFCON scorer with six goals. The prolific forward was instrumental during the qualifiers, scoring four goals in a 7-2 aggregate victory over Namibia, including a hat-trick in the first leg.

Swiss coach Nora Häuptle, who guided Zambia to the quarter-finals at the previous tournament, will oversee the team for a second consecutive WAFCON campaign.

For Egypt, the tournament marks a welcome return after a decade away from Africa’s premier women’s football competition.

The Pharaohs are making only their third appearance, having previously featured in 1998 and 2016, with both campaigns ending at the group stage.

Egypt have never progressed beyond the opening round and have lost their opening fixture in each of their previous appearances, falling 4-1 to DR Congo in 1998 and 2-0 to Cameroon in 2016.

Their only WAFCON victory came in 2016 when Salma Tarik scored a late winner in a 1-0 triumph over Zimbabwe, while their other meeting with Southern African opposition ended in a heavy 5-0 defeat to South Africa.

Coached by Mohamed Kamal, one of Egypt’s most accomplished women’s football tacticians, the North Africans will be hoping to make a stronger impression this time around. Kamal boasts an outstanding domestic record, having won 14 Egyptian Women’s Premier League titles and seven Egyptian Women’s Cup crowns with Wadi Degla.

Tuesday’s clash presents Zambia with an opportunity to reinforce their growing reputation as one of Africa’s emerging powerhouses, while Egypt will be eager to end their long WAFCON absence with a positive result against one of the tournament’s most formidable teams.

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As the Super Falcons begin their quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, Amstel Malta has launched a nationwide “Be Your Best” campaign to rally Nigerians behind Africa’s most successful women’s football team.

The initiative, which goes beyond conventional sponsorship, is designed as a rallying call celebrating excellence, resilience and national pride as the Super Falcons embark on another mission for continental glory at WAFCON Morocco 2026.

Through the campaign, Amstel Malta is encouraging Nigerians not only to support the national team but also to embrace the values represented by the Super Falcons by striving for excellence in their own endeavours.

The campaign reflects the brand’s belief that every major achievement begins with giving one’s best, while seeking to turn each Super Falcons match into a shared national experience.

Nigeria will begin their campaign against Malawi on July 28 at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat before facing Zambia at the same venue on August 1.

The Super Falcons will conclude their group-stage programme against Egypt at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on August 5. All three matches are scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. WAT.

Amstel Malta will also use the tournament to bring supporters closer to the action through a series of nationwide engagements across major digital platforms.

Fans will have opportunities to participate in Predict and Win promotions, interactive digital challenges, fan engagement activities, on-ground experiences and giveaways throughout Nigeria’s campaign.

Senior Brand Manager, Amstel Malta, Francis Obiajulu, said the company was proud to stand behind the Super Falcons as they attempt to add another chapter to their remarkable continental history.

“‘Be Your Best’ is more than a campaign; it is a celebration of excellence,” Obiajulu said.

“The Super Falcons continue to inspire Nigerians with their courage, determination and winning spirit. As they pursue a historic 11th WAFCON title, Amstel Malta is proudly backing them all the way.

“Through our Predict and Win promotions and other exciting fan experiences, we want every Nigerian to be part of the journey and celebrate every success together.”

Obiajulu added that the campaign is intended to create memorable experiences for football followers while strengthening the connection between Amstel Malta and consumers through their shared passion for the Super Falcons.

Excitement is already building around the Nigerian team, whose dominance of African women’s football has made them the continent’s most decorated national side.

Amstel Malta’s latest initiative also continues the tradition of Nigerian Breweries brands supporting Nigeria’s national teams at major international competitions.

With another continental campaign beginning, the message from the brand to the Super Falcons and millions of Nigerians following their journey is simple: Be Your Best.

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