Nigeria’s Super Falcons begin the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) with a group that includes Malawi, Zambia and Egypt, setting up matches against three opponents also competing for progression in the tournament. The team enters the competition as the defending champions and is seeking a record-extending 11th Wafcon title. Across reports, the Super Falcons are framed as a side that other countries see as a benchmark in women’s football in Africa, with the expectation that rivals will raise their game when Nigeria plays. The coverage highlights the challenge of facing established regional teams during the group stage, where results determine qualification and position for later rounds. With the tournament in focus for Nigeria, the main objective outlined is title retention and adding to their total of previous Wafcon championships. The matchups against Malawi, Zambia and Egypt are therefore positioned as early tests for Nigeria’s campaign as they aim to maintain their status at the top of the competition.