Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has cautioned his players against taking Malawi lightly ahead of Nigeria’s opening fixture at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), insisting that every team at the tournament deserves respect.
The record 10-time African champions begin their campaign against the tournament debutants knowing that victory would provide the ideal start to their quest for a record-extending 11th continental title and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Speaking ahead of the Group C encounter, Madugu dismissed suggestions that Malawi’s lack of WAFCON experience would make the match straightforward.
“There are no easy teams at this tournament. Every country here deserves respect because qualifying for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is an achievement in itself,” Madugu said.
The Nigerian coach acknowledged that Malawi will be making their first appearance at the continental championship but maintained that his side would approach the contest with maximum concentration.
“Malawi are debutants, but they are a quality team. We will not take anything for granted. Our focus is on executing our game plan and achieving our objective,” he added.
Madugu stressed that Nigeria’s preparations have centred on maintaining discipline, intensity and tactical organisation, with the coaching crew determined to ensure the Super Falcons begin the tournament on a positive note.
The tournament carries added significance, with places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup also up for grabs, making every group-stage fixture crucial in Nigeria’s pursuit of another appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Having guided the Super Falcons into the competition as defending champions, Madugu believes experience, preparation and the winning mentality within the squad will be vital as Nigeria seeks to preserve its dominance of African women’s football.
The Super Falcons will now look to translate that preparation into victory against Malawi as they launch their bid for an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title and another successful World Cup qualification campaign.
