* Super Falcons need to calm down — do not give us 5-0, please, 1-0 is enough
By Duncan Mlanjira
Scorchers captain Tabitha Chawinga has been reported to have jokingly pleaded with Nigeria’s Super Falcons not to inflict a heavy defeat on Malawi when the two face each other at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) 2026.
The two sides open their campaign — Scorchers in their debut appearance and the Super Falcons in their title defence — on August 28 at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
This will be the Scorchers’ first-ever meeting against the 10-time record title holders and the Super Falcons are overwhelming favourites to win the contest.
Published today, July 18, the Daily Post reported that during a webinar organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Chawinga “jokingly“ said: “Super Falcons need to calm down — do not give us 5-0, please, 1-0 is enough.”
The Webinar that brought together top African women football stars
With 10 continental titles to their name, the Super Falcons remain the most successful team in the tournament’s history and head to Morocco determined to retain the trophy they reclaimed in 2024.
Led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Nigeria possess the experience, squad depth and winning mentality required to compete for another title. With world-class goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, an experienced defence, a dynamic midfield and an attack led by Ajibade and former African Women Footballer of th Year Asisat Oshoala, the Super Falcons once again have the quality to go deep into the tournament.
On Thursday, the Scorchers lost 1-2 to hosts Morocco as part of strength testing ahead of the tournament and have arrived in Mohammedia after completing the first phase of their pre-WAfCON preparations in Rabat.
FAM Media reports that the team held its first training session at Sidi Moussa El Majdoub as preparations continue with one final friendly against Ghana scheduled for Thursday, July 23.
The 2026 edition — taking place from 26 July 26 to August 16 — has 16 participating nations:
Group A
Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya
Group B
South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C
Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D
Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde.
Cape Verde and Malawi are the only debutantes at this edition and all eyes will be on these islanders to see if they will replicate the-men’s fairytale run at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Meanwhile, the Scorchers Limited Edition jerseys are now available going at K75,000 for mid-level and K100,000 player version, whose selling points in Blantyre are FAM offices at Chiwembe Technical Centre, Into Sports at Chichiri Shopping Mall, and at Crystal duty-free shop at Bakili Muluzi (Chileka) Airport.
In Lilongwe at Into Sports at Gateway Mall and CP Investments at Area 6 while Mzuzu is at FAM’s Luwinga Technical Centre.
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