Nigeria’s Super Falcons will be fighting to keep their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence alive when they take on Zambia in a crucial Group C encounter on Saturday after suffering a shock opening defeat to tournament debutants Malawi.
The defending champions stunned fans by losing 3-2 to Malawi, with sisters Temwa Chawinga and Tabita Chawinga inspiring the Scorchers to a historic victory. Temwa scored twice while Tabita added another as Malawi raced into a 3-1 lead before late goals from Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu proved insufficient for Nigeria.
The result handed head coach Justin Madugu a disappointing start to his first WAFCON campaign as Super Falcons coach.
Sports analyst and News Central producer Ope Adebari described Malawi as the better side in the opening half and suggested Nigeria’s tactical approach was undermined by questionable player selection.
“Malawi played good football. Malawi was the better team in the first half. I think coach Madugu had the right tactical approach but used the wrong set of players for execution,” Adebari said.
He added that the early substitutions made in the second half showed the coach recognised his mistakes, but Nigeria were unable to match Malawi’s momentum.
Adebari noted that African women’s football has become far more competitive, insisting there are no longer easy opponents on the continent.
“The fringe African nations are gradually catching up to the big names in terms of football development. No team is a pushover because every nation wants to win the tournament,” he said.
Nigeria’s next opponents, Zambia, arrive in confident mood after defeating Egypt 3-0 to move to the top of Group C.
A second consecutive defeat would leave the Super Falcons on the brink of elimination from the competition.
For the decisive encounter, Adebari recommended several changes to Nigeria’s starting line-up, including introducing Shukurat Oladipo in central defence alongside Tosin Demehin, moving Michelle Alozie to right-back, while Glory Ogbonna occupies the left-back position.
He also suggested a midfield pairing of Halimatu Ayinde and Deborah Abiodun, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade operating in an advanced playmaking role behind Asisat Oshoala, supported by Toni Payne and Rinsola Babajide on the wings.
According to him, Nigeria still possess the quality to beat Zambia if they produce their best performance.
“If the team is well prepared and goes into the match determined to win, they will defeat Zambia. But if they don’t bring their A-game, Zambia will win,” he said.
