The Defending Champions, Nigeria will begin their quest for a record-extending Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with a historic opening fixture against Malawi, as both sides prepare to meet for the first time in the tournament’s history.

The Group stage encounter, scheduled for Tuesday, 28 July 2026, marks the opening game of the 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for both nations in Morocco.

Although the Super Falcons and the Scorchers of Malawi have previously crossed paths in qualification, they have never faced each other at the continental finals.

Their first meeting came during the qualification campaign for the 2014 African Women’s Championship.

The opening leg, played in Blantyre on 9 June 2012, ended in a 1-1 draw, with Malawi holding the Ten-time African Champions to a stalemate on home soil.

The return leg was eventually played on 7 September 2013 at the Abuja National Stadium, where Nigeria secured a comfortable 2-0 victory to progress in the qualification series.

Now, more than a decade later, the two sides will renew their rivalry on Africa’s Biggest Women’s football stage for the first time.

For the Super Falcons, the objective is clear: successfully defend the Continental Crown they currently hold.

With expectations high and a squad rich in experience and quality, Nigeria will be aiming to make a strong statement from the opening whistle as they begin another title challenge in Morocco.

Malawi, meanwhile, will be looking to cause an upset and make a memorable start to their campaign against Africa’s most successful women’s national team.

All eyes are now on this opening fixture encounter as the Super Falcons embark on another journey in pursuit of the Continental Glory.