The Super Falcons of Nigeria are currently trailing Malawi in their opening Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat. The game remains goalless at halftime, with Malawi scoring two goals in the second half before Nigeria managed to get one back.
Malawi, making their debut in the competition, scored in the 78th minute, followed by another goal in the 80th minute, making it 2-0. Nigeria responded in the 90+2 minute, bringing the score to 2-1 in Malawi’s favour. Despite Nigeria’s dominance in possession, they have yet to find an equaliser.
Match Progression and Key Moments
The match kicked off in Rabat, with Nigeria pushing for an early goal. In the 38th minute, Chiamaka Nnadozie made a crucial save for Nigeria as Malawi pressed forward. A cross into the Malawi box in the 40th minute did not result in a goal for Nigeria.
The first half concluded goalless after 45 minutes plus three minutes of additional time. The second half began with both teams seeking to break the deadlock. In the 57th minute, Nigeria made a substitution, bringing on Toni Payne for Folashade Ijamilusi in an effort to secure the opening goal.
Malawi then scored two quick goals in the 78th and 80th minutes, establishing a 2-0 lead. Nigeria managed to score in the 90+2 minute, reducing Malawi’s lead to 2-1. The Super Falcons are aiming for an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title in this tournament, which also serves as a qualification event for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Team Preparations and Expectations
Nigeria entered the tournament as the reigning African champions, having won their 10th WAFCON title in the previous edition against Morocco. Head coach Justin Madugu has emphasised the team’s goal to win every game, stating that the ultimate objective is to secure victory in every match.
The Super Falcons have shown strong form leading up to the tournament, winning eight of their last nine matches across all competitions. Their preparations included a 2-1 friendly victory over Tanzania, where Rasheedat Ajibade scored the opening goal and Esther Okoronkwo secured the winner.
Malawi, despite being tournament debutants, secured their place in the finals by holding Zambia to a draw and defeating Angola during the qualification campaign. However, their recent form includes five losses in their last six matches, with a 4-0 defeat to Ghana in their final warm-up game.
The Super Falcons are without experienced defender Ashleigh Plumptre due to injury. However, the squad includes key players such as captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, and six-time women’s African footballer of the year Asisat Oshoala, alongside goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
For Malawi, much of their attacking threat relies on sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga. Their pace and finishing ability are considered significant for the Scorchers.
Off-Field Developments
Ahead of the match, the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation formally presented rewards to the Super Falcons for their victory in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The presentation took place in Rabat, Morocco, before Nigeria’s opening fixture against Malawi.
The rewards included a cash gift for each player, which had already been disbursed, and a three-bedroom apartment for each player under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Estate. Members of the technical crew are also set to receive these rewards. This presentation was deliberately scheduled to coincide with the team’s assembly for the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.
Source: channelstv.com
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