Nigeria’s Super Falcons have received a lighthearted warning ahead of their opening fixture at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga jokingly pleaded with the African champions to avoid handing her team a heavy defeat.
The playful moment has quickly become one of the tournament’s most talked about pre competition highlights, reflecting the growing camaraderie among Africa’s leading women’s football stars while also underscoring the immense respect Nigeria continues to command across the continent.
The exchange took place during a media session featuring several of Africa’s biggest names in women’s football, including Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala and Malawi’s celebrated sisters, Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga.
As the discussion shifted to the opening Group C encounter between Nigeria and Malawi, Oshoala jokingly reminded the Malawian stars of the Super Falcons’ reputation as the most successful team in African women’s football.
Laughing along with the audience, Tabitha Chawinga responded with a humorous appeal.
“Please don’t beat us five nil. One nil is enough,” she joked, drawing laughter from players, journalists and officials in attendance.
Although delivered in good spirits, Chawinga’s comments highlighted the enormous challenge awaiting Malawi when they face a Nigerian side chasing yet another continental title.
The Super Falcons remain the most decorated team in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having won the competition a record 10 times. Their dominance over the years has established Nigeria as the benchmark for women’s football on the continent, with generations of talented players helping build an enviable legacy.
Head coach Justine Madugu enters this year’s tournament with a balanced squad that combines experienced internationals with exciting young talents eager to continue the country’s winning tradition.
Leading the team is captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose leadership and attacking quality have become vital to Nigeria’s ambitions. She is joined by veteran striker Asisat Oshoala, one of Africa’s most decorated footballers, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, midfielder Jennifer Echegini and defender Michelle Alozie are expected to play key roles throughout the tournament.
The Super Falcons arrive in Morocco determined to reclaim continental supremacy after an impressive preparation period despite suffering a minor setback when their scheduled friendly against Ghana was cancelled due to logistical challenges.
Madugu has repeatedly insisted that his players remain fully focused on the task ahead and are determined to begin their campaign with a convincing performance against Malawi.
Despite Nigeria’s status as overwhelming favourites, the coaching staff has warned against complacency.
Malawi may not possess Nigeria’s trophy cabinet, but they have developed into one of Africa’s fastest improving teams, largely thanks to the brilliance of the Chawinga sisters.
Tabitha Chawinga has earned global recognition for her pace, intelligence and clinical finishing, establishing herself as one of the continent’s finest forwards. Her younger sister, Temwa Chawinga, has also enjoyed a remarkable rise, producing outstanding performances at club level and becoming one of Africa’s most feared attacking players.
Together, the sisters provide Malawi with genuine attacking quality capable of troubling even the strongest defences.
Their presence means Nigeria cannot afford to underestimate their opponents despite the historical gap between both nations.
The opening fixture is expected to play a crucial role in determining the complexion of Group C, which also features Zambia and Egypt. With only the strongest teams progressing to the knockout rounds, every point could prove decisive in the race for qualification.
For Nigeria, securing maximum points in the opening match would immediately strengthen their position while sending a strong message to the rest of the tournament.
For Malawi, even a positive performance against Africa’s most successful women’s team could provide valuable confidence for the remaining group matches.
Beyond the competition itself, the friendly exchange between Oshoala and Chawinga highlighted the growing popularity of women’s football across Africa.
Unlike previous generations when female football received limited attention, today’s stars have become household names, inspiring millions of young girls to pursue careers in the sport. Their interactions away from the pitch continue to demonstrate that fierce rivalry can coexist with mutual respect and friendship.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations also carries additional significance because it serves as part of the qualification pathway for future global competitions. Strong performances in Morocco will not only determine continental supremacy but also strengthen teams ahead of upcoming international tournaments.
As anticipation builds for the opening whistle, Nigerian supporters will expect the Super Falcons to justify their status as favourites by beginning their title campaign with a commanding display.
Malawi, however, will hope the Chawinga sisters can transform their captain’s playful comments into a determined performance capable of producing one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
While Tabitha Chawinga’s appeal for mercy has entertained football fans across Africa, there will be no room for sentiment once the match begins. Both nations understand what is at stake, and when the referee blows the opening whistle, humour will give way to fierce competition as Nigeria and Malawi battle for a winning start to their WAFCON campaign.
