The Super Falcons of Nigeria suffered a disappointing start to their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, falling 3-2 to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening Group C fixture. The encounter produced a dramatic finish, with three of the five goals coming in stoppage time.
First Half: A sloppy and disappointing opening 45 minutes from the defending champions, who have looked disjointed and lacking cohesion against Malawi tonight. Despite edging possession with 57% to Malawi’s 43%, the Super Falcons have failed to turn that dominance into real attacking threat. They’ve managed seven shots, with only four on target, but are yet to create a clear-cut chance.
So far, Chiamaka Nnadozie and Osinachi Ohale have been the standout performers for Nigeria, keeping the team in the contest with their composure and defensive interventions. Credit must also go to Malawi, who have shown greater control on the ball, remained disciplined, and have done an impressive job of frustrating the defending champions while holding their own.
The Super Falcons will return to action on Saturday, August 1, when they take on Zambia in their second Group C match of the 2026 WAFCON. The game will be played at Stade El Barid in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Nigeria time.
Second Half: Nigeria resumed the second period still lacking cohesion, urgency, and tactical direction. The defending champions struggled to find any real rhythm, prompting head coach Justine Madugu to make two substitutions in an attempt to address the glaring loopholes, introducing Uchenna Kanu and Oluwatosin Demehin Payne.
Rather than spark a turnaround, things went from bad to worse. Malawi broke the deadlock moments after the changes, with Temwa Chawinga opening the scoring before doubling her tally in the 79th minute to put her side firmly in control.
Asisat Oshoala was later introduced for Esther Okoronkwo as Nigeria searched desperately for a response. The intensity briefly returned when captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted from the penalty spot to reduce the deficit. But any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished as Malawi struck again in stoppage time, with Chawinga completing a superb hat-trick to seal an emphatic 3-1 victory over the defending champions.
The Super Falcons will return to action on Saturday, August 1, when they take on Zambia in their second Group C match of the 2026 WAFCON. The game will be played at Stade El Barid in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Nigeria time.
