Only Equatorial Guinea (in 2008 and 2012) and South Africa (2022) have been African champions besides the Super Falcons.

However, Nigeria had to dig deep to regain their crown last year after losing it three years prior.

Their pre-tournament preparation began under less than ideal circumstances, with players alleging theft in their hotel.

As per ESPN’s Colin Udoh’s source, a suspect has since been arrested and confessed, with restitution being made to the players pending the completion of the legal process.

Focus will now turn to the field of play, where Nigeria will face a Scorchers side with two of the most famous women’s footballers on the planet – Lyon’s Tabitha and Kansas City Current’s Temwa Chawinga.

After years of heartbreak and clashes between players and federation, Malawi have finally arrived – beginning their WAFCON journey with arguably the toughest test imaginable.

Nigeria and Malawi have not faced each other often at senior level, but whenever they have met, the Super Falcons have remained unbeaten.

The two countries have played only twice in senior women’s international football, with both matches coming during the qualifiers for the 2014 African Women’s Championship, which also served as qualification for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Their first meeting took place on June 9, 2012, in Blantyre, where Malawi produced a fine performance and fought hard to earn a 1-1 draw.

Nigeria responded in the return leg on September 7, 2013, at the Abuja National Stadium. The Super Falcons controlled the game from start to finish and secured a comfortable 2-0 victory, sealing progression while maintaining their unbeaten record against Malawi. Overall, Nigeria have won one match and drawn one, scoring three goals and conceding just once.

Nigeria received a major injury setback before the tournament after experienced defender Ashleigh Plumptre failed to recover from a long-term injury.

Despite that loss, Madugu still has arguably the strongest squad in Africa. There was also good news as Washington Spirit midfielder Deborah Abiodun and striker Gift Monday overcame travel delays from the United States and joined the squad in Morocco before the opening match.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala are all fit and available.

Jennifer Echegini is expected to provide creativity in midfield, while Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun will protect the defence. Nigeria also have strong options from the bench, including Toni Payne, Esther Okoronkwo, Uchenna Kanu and Folashade Ijamilusi.

Malawi will rely heavily on captain Temwa Chawinga. The Kansas City Current star has a name that drives fear into the hearts of defenders. Her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, adds more experience and attacking quality after impressing in European football.

Coach Lovemore Fazili is expected to make defensive adjustments following the 4-0 defeat to Ghana. Goalkeeper Esther Maulidi is expected to start, although Mercy Sikelo remains an option, while veteran defender Maggie Chavula could return to strengthen the back line. Malawi are likely to defend deep before looking for quick counter-attacks whenever Nigeria lose possession.The top two teams in each group will progress to the quarterfinals, with Egypt and Zambia the other teams the Super Falcons and Scorchers will have to compete with.

Nigeria begin the tournament with more experience, greater squad depth and higher-quality players across every position. Malawi’s best chance will come through the pace of Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga on the counter-attack. If Nigeria lose concentration at the back, the debutants are capable of scoring.

However, over 90 minutes, the Super Falcons should have too much quality. With Ajibade creating chances, Omewa leading the line and Echegini pulling the strings in midfield, Nigeria are expected to dominate possession and create the better opportunities.

It may not be an easy night because Malawi will defend in numbers, but Nigeria have enough attacking firepower to begin their title defence with a victory.