Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga has said the Scorchers will approach their opening match against Nigeria’s Super Falcons with confidence, insisting her side will not be intimidated by the defending champions.

Malawi will make their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) debut against Nigeria in a Group C fixture at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. Nigerian time.

The Super Falcons, who have won the continental title a record 10 times, are widely regarded as favourites to claim all three points.

However, Chawinga urged her teammates to avoid any inferiority complex when they face Justine Madugu’s side.

“It was my dream to play in the WAFCON. The time has come. We know Nigeria’s worth. They are a great nation but we must focus on ourselves. Our players need to compete without any inferiority complex,” Chawinga said ahead of the encounter.

The Malawi captain is expected to lead the team’s attack alongside her sister, Temwa Chawinga, as the Scorchers seek a positive start to their maiden WAFCON campaign.