Nigeria’s Super Falcons will this afternoon begin their African Womens Cup of Nations title defense against Mali.

The coach Florence Omagbemi led side won the ninth title in Namibia in 2014 and will be looking to re-establish their dominance of the Africa womens football.

Umea IK Daamllsvenskan forward Rita Chikwelu will lead Nigeria attack in absence of Evelyn Nawabouku who was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury as both teams file out for the first match of Group B.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are the defending champions and coach Florence Omagbeni is hoping that her side will make it tenth wins for the Falcons as she see this AWCON as players avenue to redeem themselves.

“We are looking forward to playing in the final.With a little bit of hardwork we will do more than what we did in Namibia”, she stated.

The coach however noted that her side cannot afford to underrate any team at this years tournament that started yesterday.

“We have played against Mali before, and we know they are no pushovers. Now, Kenya are coming to the African championship for the first time, but from the way they qualified, after beating Algeria, they must be respected.

A win against Mali on Sunday will set the Super Falcons on a sound tune to retain the trophy, with Kenya and Ghana still to come in the group games.