Super Falcons Face Defining Test Against Zambia After Stunning Opening-Day Defeat
The road to another continental crown has suddenly become steeper for Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
Few followers of African women’s football imagined that the defending champions would begin their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a defeat, let alone against tournament newcomers Malawi.
Yet that is exactly how the opening chapter unfolded, leaving Nigeria under pressure before their second group match.
Malawi announced themselves in unforgettable fashion with a dramatic 3-2 victory, shaking one of Africa’s most successful football nations and throwing Group C wide open.
The Chawinga sisters were at the heart of the upset. Temwa Chawinga found the net twice, while Tabita Chawinga added another as Malawi raced into a commanding lead.
Nigeria managed to reduce the deficit through a Rasheedat Ajibade penalty before Uchenna Kanu struck late, but the rally came too late to rescue even a point.
The defeat has left Justin Madugu’s side with little room for error as they prepare to face an in-form Zambia on Saturday.
Sports analyst and News Central journalist Ope Adebari believes Nigeria’s tactical plan was not entirely wrong but questioned the personnel selected to execute it.
According to him, Malawi controlled much of the first half and deserved their advantage.
He added that the Nigerian coach appeared to recognize the problem after making early substitutions in the second half, but by then the debutants had already gathered enough confidence and momentum to stay in control.
The opening round also produced another surprise, with South Africa suffering a 2-1 defeat to Tanzania before settling for a 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast.
For Adebari, such results are evidence that women’s football across Africa is becoming increasingly competitive.
He noted that countries once considered outsiders have invested significantly in development, making it difficult for traditional powerhouses to dominate as they once did.
Speaking on South Africa’s struggles, he suggested the squad lacked the right blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership.
Nigeria’s next opponents arrive with confidence after Zambia comfortably defeated Egypt 3-0 to move to the top of the group.
Another loss for the Super Falcons would leave their title defence hanging by a thread and could place qualification for the knockout stage in serious doubt.
Looking ahead to the clash, Adebari expects an intense encounter in which both teams will have everything to play for.
While Nigeria will be fighting to revive their campaign, Zambia will see victory as an opportunity to seal an early place in the quarter-finals.
He also proposed several changes to the starting lineup. Among them are introducing Shukurat Oladipo alongside Tosin Demehin in central defence, moving Michelle Alozie to right-back and deploying Glory Ogbonna on the left.
In midfield, he favours Halimatu Ayinde and Deborah Abiodun as a double pivot, with Rasheedat Ajibade operating behind the attack. Toni Payne and Rinsola Babajide would provide width, while Asisat Oshoala leads the line.
Adebari believes Nigeria still possess enough quality to overcome Zambia, provided the players approach the contest with greater urgency, discipline and determination than they showed in their opening fixture.
Saturday’s encounter may not decide the championship, but it could determine whether the Super Falcons remain on course to defend their African crown or face an unexpectedly early exit.
