Nigeria vs Malawi Women WAFCON Preview
Nigeria begin their WAFCON title defence with a Group C clash against Malawi on Tuesday.
The Super Falcons have looked almost unstoppable lately and should be too strong for the Malawians, who are below their best at the moment.
Key Stats
- Nigeria have won eight of their last nine matches in all competitions.
- Malawi have lost five of their last six matches in all competitions.
- Malawi have failed to score in four of their last six matches.
No Previous Meetings
This will be the first ever meeting between Nigeria and Malawi.
Nigeria Looking to Dominate Again
Nigeria are the dominant force in Women's football in Africa, having won 10 WAFCON titles. They come into this year's tournament as the reigning champions after beating Morocco 3-2 in the final of the previous edition.
The Super Falcons have overcome almost every challenge in recent times and are showing no signs of slowing down. Justin Madugu’s team head into their Group C opener unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions, picking up eight wins in this run.
Nigeria wrapped up their preparations for the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania. Captain Rasheedat Ajubade opened the scoring before the break while Esther Okoronkwo struck the winner late in the second half.
Malawi’s Tournament Debut
Malawi are making their first appearance at the WAFCON and will be keen to make an impact. They secured a place in this year's tournament after claiming a 2-0 aggregate victory over Angola.
The preparations for the tournament have been unconvincing for Malawi, who are without a win in their last six matches. They have been beaten five times in this run, falling 4-0 to Ghana in their final warm-up game.
One of the issues for Malawi is a lack of cutting edge in attack, as evidenced by the defeat to Ghana. They have failed to score in four of their last six matches in all competitions.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Nigeria (4-2-3-1): Chiamaka Nnadozie; Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran. Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun; Folashade Ijamilusi, Rasheedat Ajubade, Chimwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo.
Nigeria are without defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who is currently nursing an injury and was not included in the squad. Captain Ajibade should feature in attack alongside Okoronkwo while Ohale is set to start in defence.
Malawi (4-3-3): Mercy Sikelo; Olivia Phikani, Tionge Phiri, Chimwemwe Madise, Ireen Khumalo; Rose Kadzere, Asimenye Simwaka, Tendai Sani, Tabitha Chawinga, Temwa Chawinga, Chisomo Banda.
Malawi have a fully fit squad heading into the opener, and Phiri and Madise are expected to partner at the heart of the defence. Kadzere should feature in midfield while the Chawinga sisters could start in attack.