Nigeria’s quest to retain the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title has suffered an unexpected setback after the Super Falcons were stunned 3-2 by tournament debutants Malawi in their opening Group C match in Morocco.
The defending champions arrived at the 2026 tournament as favourites, having won a record-extending 10th continental title in Morocco last year under the “Mission X” campaign. However, Justin Madugu’s side now face mounting pressure to revive their title defence after the surprise defeat.
Malawi produced one of the biggest upsets in WAFCON history, with sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga inspiring the Scorchers to a famous victory. Temwa scored twice, while Tabitha also found the net before Nigeria’s late rally through Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu proved too little, too late.
The result leaves the Super Falcons under pressure heading into their remaining Group C fixtures against Zambia and Egypt.
Zambia have already strengthened their qualification hopes after opening the tournament with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Egypt, while Malawi boosted their chances of reaching the quarter-finals by following up their win over Nigeria with a 3-1 victory against Egypt.
Despite the disappointing start, Nigeria still possess one of the strongest squads in the competition.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade continues to lead by example, while reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie and six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala provide invaluable experience for the nine-time champions.
Head coach Justin Madugu had warned before the tournament that defending the title would be far more difficult than winning it.
“Now that we are champions, every other team will want to bring you down,” he said before the competition.
Assistant coach Ann Chiejine also acknowledged the challenge facing the Super Falcons.
“Every country wants to beat Nigeria. That is why we must up our game by making sure we train harder.”
With two crucial group matches remaining, Nigeria must now respond quickly if they are to keep alive their hopes of reclaiming African football’s biggest prize and avoiding an early exit from the tournament.
