Nigeria’s Super Falcons launch the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with a Group C opener against tournament debutants Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat tonight (Tuesday, 28 July 2026).
Although the record 10-time African champions enter the contest as overwhelming favourites, the Scorchers have assembled a squad capable of causing problems for any opponent and will be determined to mark their first-ever WAFCON appearance with a memorable result.
Malawi’s attacking quality, led by the dangerous Chawinga sisters and supported by a blend of youthful promise and experienced campaigners, means the Super Falcons cannot afford any lapses in concentration.
Completesports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU highlights five Malawi players Nigeria must keep quiet if they are to begin their WAFCON 2026 title defence with victory.
Tabitha Chawinga (Olympique Lyon)
The Olympique Lyon striker is the undisputed star of the Scorchers. Chawinga is noted for her blistering pace, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing.
The Super Falcons’ defence will have to keep her under close watch throughout the contest to prevent her from causing any damage.
The 30-year-old has scored 25 goals in 11 appearances for her country.
Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
The 27-year-old is the younger sister of Tabitha, and together they form one of the most dangerous attacking partnerships in African women’s football.
The former Wuhan Jianghan University FC star is a formidable attacking threat, combining explosive pace, exceptional dribbling ability, and clinical finishing.
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She also has an impressive scoring record on the international scene, with 25 goals in 15 appearances for the Scorchers.
Rose Kabzere (Montpellier)
Kabzere is the heartbeat of Malawi’s midfield. The Montpellier star dictates the tempo from the centre of the park. She is also excellent on the ball and adept at retaining possession under pressure.
If given time and space, Kabzere can control the flow of the game and create scoring opportunities, making her one of the Scorchers’ most influential players and a key threat the Super Falcons must contain.
The young midfielder, who has also represented Malawi at youth level, has recorded three goals in 11 appearances for her country.
Faith Chimzimu (BK Hacken)
Chimzimu is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Malawi squad and is certainly no stranger to Nigerian football.
The 19-year-old BK Häcken midfielder announced herself to Nigerian fans when she scored both goals in Malawi’s 2-1 victory over the Falconets in the second leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier in March. Despite her heroics, Malawi bowed out after a 3-2 aggregate defeat.
A dynamic and technically gifted player, Chimzimu possesses excellent pace, close control, and an eye for goal. She is also capable of operating across the attacking midfield and forward positions, making her a constant threat in the final third.
Now a teammate of Super Falcons midfielder Halimatu Ayinde at Swedish club BK Hacken, she will be eager to make another statement against Nigeria and is expected to provide a stern test for the defending African champions.
Sabinah Thom (Phoenix Academy Marrakesh)
The veteran striker is one of the most experienced members of the Malawi squad, having built a wealth of experience during spells in the Democratic Republic of Congo with TP Mazembe and with Tanzanian giants Simba Queens.
Now 30, she is expected to play a key role in the Scorchers’ attack, sharing the goalscoring burden with star sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga.
Her experience, intelligent movement, and composure in front of goal make her an important attacking weapon for Malawi against the Super Falcons.
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Source: Complete Sports
