File: The super falcons preparing for the match
Ten-time African champions Nigeria begin their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence against debutants Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday, with coach Justin Madugu making clear that nothing short of victory will satisfy the Super Falcons.
“Usually when you prepare for a competition, and you go for any tournament, your ultimate goal is to win. You approach every game as it comes and try as much as possible to make sure that you win all your games. For every match that we go into, the ultimate goal is to ensure that we win,” Madugu said at the pre-match press conference.
Nigeria head into the tournament in strong form, having won eight of their last nine matches across all competitions.
They wrapped up preparations with a 2-1 win over Tanzania, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade opening the scoring before Esther Okoronkwo netted the winner late in the second half.
