The Super Falcons are raring to kick off their defence of the Women Africa Cup of Nations title in convincing fashion, when they play Malawi at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday night.
In 2025, the Falcons, unarguably the most successful women’s team on the continent, came from behind to snatch the crown from the hands of Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, with a 3-2 win in a classic Final.
The Lionesses, targeting a third successive Final appearance with two silver medals from the previous two, spanked Kenya Harambee Starlets by four unreplied goals on Sunday as the championship kicked off, and Cup-holders Nigeria felt it was a message sent to them that the battle for the trophy will be much tougher this time.
Tonight’s match is an tie between authority and ambition, with the Super Falcons the overdogs against the Scorchers who will be playing their first-ever match in the Women Africa Cup of Nations finals, but who have the reverred Chawinga sisters – Tabitha and Temwa – capable of turning a match on its head in a matter of seconds.
Coach Lovermore Fazili’s troops have lost to Morocco’s Lionesses and Ghana’s Black Queens in friendly games over the past 13 months, but have also drawn with Zambia, and made short work of Angola in their final qualifying fixture for this tournament.
Fazili also has defenders Ireen Khumalo, Olivia Phikani and Benadetta Mkandawire, midfielders Rose Kadzere, Letticia Chinyamula and Faith Chinzimu, and forwards Vanessa Chikupira and Deborah Henry among others, who are capable of making the night difficult for the Super Falcons.
Falcons Coach Justine Madugu is, insisting that his team will not under-rate the debutants.
“We have huge respect for all our opponents,” Madugu said at Monday’s pre-match press conference in Rabat. “Every team that qualifies for this tournament deserves commendation and a lot of respect. Yes, they are debutants, but they are a very good side. We don’t take anything for granted. Everybody is coming here with a purpose and a mission, so you don’t undermine or underestimate what anybody can do.
“We are here for the defence of the WAFCON trophy and the team is fully ready and set to go. We will stick to our gameplan and our mission.”
Falcons will be led from.the front by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, an effervescent attacking midfielder, with Africa’s best goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Rofiat Imuran and Tosin Demehin, midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Halimatu Ayinde, and strikers Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Asisat Oshoala also likely to start.
Nigeria also.parades an array of stars on the bench, with England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, defenders Christy Ucheibe, Glory Ogbonna, Sikiratu Isa and Shukurat Oladipo, midfielders Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Gift Monday, Omorinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi capable of forming another championship side.
The gamel kicks off at 9pm
PHOTO: Coach Madugu (left) and captain Ajibade at Monday’s pre-match press conference.
