Nigeria's Super Falcons have begun their bid for an unprecedented 11th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title, opening their campaign in Morocco against debutants Malawi, with Zambia and Egypt also in Group C. Having won a record-extending 10th title on home turf in Morocco last July under coach Justin Madugu, Nigeria remain the dominant force in African women's football, but face heightened competition after the tournament expanded from 12 to 16 teams, with the added stakes of Wafcon doubling as World Cup qualification.

Nigeria have lifted 10 of the 13 Wafcon titles since 1998, with only Equatorial Guinea and South Africa previously breaking their run, and last retained the trophy back-to-back as recently as 2018. The squad blends established stars such as captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala with emerging talent like striker Joy Omewa. The four semi-finalists will qualify directly for next year's Fifa Women's World Cup in Brazil, while Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world but boasting the prolific Chawinga sisters, are among the tournament's newcomers alongside Cape Verde.