“We’re Here to Defend the Trophy and Qualify for the World Cup” – Super Falcons Ready for Malawi at WAFCON 2026

Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu and captain Rashidat Ajibade fronted the official pre-match press conference ahead of the Super Falcons’ opening Group C fixture against debutants Malawi at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Fully Ready to Defend

Nigeria arrive in Morocco as 10-time champions and clear favourites, carrying the dual burden of defending their continental crown and securing qualification for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup. Madugu was clear and concise when asked about the team’s state of readiness.

“We are here for the defence of the WAFCON trophy and the team is fully ready and set to go,” the coach said.

Ajibade echoed the same confidence. “The team spirit is high. Everyone is fully focused. We know why we’re here and we are ready to take things one step at a time. We’re 100% ready.”

Mission Clear: Title and World Cup

Pressed on what the mission is this time around after last year’s successful campaign, Madugu refused to get drawn into slogans.

“We have a focus, we have a target, and we know what we really want to achieve. We are here to ensure that we qualify for the World Cup as well as retain the trophy we won last year.”

Respect for Malawi, No Underestimation

Despite Malawi making their first-ever appearance at the finals, Madugu stressed that the Super Falcons would approach the game with full respect.

“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. Everybody is coming here with a purpose and a mission, so you don’t undermine or underestimate what anybody can do. We have huge respect for all our opponents. We will stick to our game plan and our mission.”

Ajibade reinforced the same message when asked about facing the Chawinga sisters. She described Malawi’s progress - players moving into competitive leagues and reaching the finals for the first time - as evidence of growing intentional investment in women’s football across Africa.

“A good performance for the Super Falcons will be to win three points. That’s what matters in this tournament. Of course you want to play well tactically, but if you do all of that and don’t win, it doesn’t count for much here.”

Message to the Fans

Ajibade used the platform to directly address supporters both in Morocco and back home in Nigeria.

“Our fans are always coming out in numbers. They’re always cheering us on the field and on social media. We see their support, we see their love. Their support was instrumental to the last victory we had. We want them to replicate the same energy - even double it - because we need that energy to keep raising the standard and keep flying the flag of our nation high. Keep cheering us, keep supporting us, and keep praying for us. We’ll make them proud as always.”

On the Growth of Women’s Football

Madugu welcomed the expansion of the tournament to 16 teams, saying it gives more African players the platform to showcase their talent and attracts greater attention to the game. However, he insisted that structural progress is still needed.

“It’s still work in progress. We still expect a lot to be done that will address the welfare of players, capacity building for coaches, and the development of more facilities across the continent so that the development is deliberate and we can catch up with other continents.”

Ajibade went further when asked what Nigeria specifically needs to increase participation among young girls. She put the creation of a safe environment first.

“First we have to create the right environment where an athlete is safe to speak, safe to express herself, and finds a place of comfort where she can confide in her coaches and the people around her. If you have infrastructure but don’t have the right environment, you won’t retain athletes. Everything starts with building a safe environment, then infrastructure, the right people, and players using their platforms to advocate and serve as role models.”

What’s Next

Nigeria open their WAFCON 2026 campaign against Malawi knowing that every result carries added weight as a World Cup qualifying pathway. Both coach and captain projected calm confidence: the mission is clear, the respect for the opponent is genuine, and the demand on themselves remains the same - win.