Nigeria coach Madugu: We won’t underrate Malawi at WAFCON

Nigeria's Super Falcons are set to begin their title defense at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, facing debutants Malawi in their opening Group C match. Head coach Justin Madugu has stressed that his team will not underestimate their opponents, despite Malawi appearing at the tournament for the first time.

"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," Madugu said during his pre-match press conference. "Everybody is coming here with a purpose and a mission, so you don’t undermine what they can do."

“

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.

Malawi, nicknamed the Scorchers, secured their WAFCON qualification with an aggregate 2-0 victory over Angola. Madugu, who led Nigeria to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title last year, stated that his team remains focused on its objectives. "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, the most successful nation in the tournament's history, is drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt. A strong start against Malawi is crucial before facing tougher tests against Zambia and Egypt later in the group stage. This year's tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, with the semi-finalists securing automatic qualification and one additional nation advancing through intercontinental play-offs.

“

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.