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Nigeria’s Super Falcons opened their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a surprise 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in a Group C encounter on Tuesday.
The nine-time African champions were undone by Malawi’s star sisters, Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga.
Temwa netted a brace, while Tabitha scored the third goal to seal a memorable victory for the newcomers.
Nigeria fought back through goals from captain Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Uchenna Kanu, but their efforts were not enough to prevent an opening-day defeat.
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Reflecting on the unexpected loss, Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo acknowledged the team’s sluggish start.
”Next game we have to come back better, in this game, we came out a little flat. But it is what it is, we have to go back and learn our lesson and learn where we should fix and come back better in the next game,” Okoronkwo said after the match.
Addressing a controversial penalty decision after she was brought down inside the box, Okoronkwo kept her focus on moving forward.
“I don’t know what the referee saw but I think it should have been looked at but it is what it is I didn’t get it, so I won’t talk about it or complain about it.”
