Head Coach Justine Madugu has warned his Super Falcons squad against complacency ahead of Nigeria’s Women Africa Cup of Nations title defence, insisting debutants Malawi “will not be underestimated” when the two sides meet at the Al Medina Stadium tonight.
Cup-holders Nigeria kick off their bid for a record-extending title at 9pm local time (same time with Nigeria), facing the ‘Scorchers’ of Malawi in a first-ever WAFCON finals appearance for the southern African side.
“We have huge respect for all our opponents,” Madugu told reporters at his 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.”
The warning comes a day after Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, beaten by Nigeria 3-2 in last year’s Final, put down an early marker of their own with a 4-0 opening-day win over Kenya. Nigeria read the result as a signal that this year’s title race will be tougher than the last.
Malawi arrive in Rabat built around sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, and Coach Lovemore Fazili’s side have drawn with a Zambia team featuring Barbara Banda and Rachael Kundananji in the past 13 months, though they have also lost to Morocco and Ghana in friendlies.
Madugu is expected to start captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Rofiat Imuran and Tosin Demehin, midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Halimatu Ayinde, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Asisat Oshoala.
His bench options include 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.
“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 game plan and our mission,” Madugu said.