Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu says Nigeria will not underestimate debutants Malawi when both sides clash in their opening Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday, insisting that every team at the tournament deserves respect, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Malawi are appearing at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time after impressive performances during the qualifying campaign.
Nicknamed the Scorchers, they secured their first-ever WAFCON qualification after a 2–0 aggregate victory over Angola at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Madugu, who guided Nigeria to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title last year after the Falcons fought back from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco in the final, said his team remains focused on its objectives despite facing tournament newcomers.
“We have respect for all the teams in the tournament. Malawi are debutants but they are a very good side, so we are not taking anything for granted. Everybody is coming here with a purpose and a mission, so you don’t undermine what they can do,” Madugu said during his pre-match press conference.
“We have huge respect for our opponents and we will stick to our mission as well.
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“We have a focus, we have a target and we know what we want to achieve. We want to qualify for the World Cup and also retain the trophy we won last year.”
Nigeria head into WAFCON 2026 as defending champions and the most successful nation in the tournament’s history, with 10 continental titles. The Super Falcons are drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt.
Victory over Malawi would provide the ideal start to Nigeria’s title defence before tougher tests against Zambia on Saturday, August 1, and Egypt in their final group match four days later.
This year’s tournament also doubles as the African qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification, while one additional African nation will progress through the intercontinental play-offs.
Madugu’s side will be aiming to begin their campaign on a positive note as they seek to defend their continental crown and secure a place at the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years
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Source: The Punch
