WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons Target Strong Response Against Zambia After Malawi Shock

Defending champions Nigeria will look to revive their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence when they face Zambia in a crucial Group C encounter on Saturday in Morocco.

The Super Falcons were left reeling after a stunning 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening match in Rabat on Tuesday, a result that sent shockwaves across African women’s football.

After a goalless first half, Malawi stunned the 10-time African champions by racing into a two-goal lead before a dramatic spell of stoppage time produced three more goals. Nigeria struck twice in a late rally, but Malawi added another to seal a famous victory in their maiden appearance at the continental showpiece.

The defeat has piled pressure on the Super Falcons, who now need a positive result against Zambia to reignite their campaign and reaffirm their status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.

However, the task promises to be anything but straightforward. Zambia sit atop Group C after an emphatic 6-0 demolition of Egypt in their opening fixture and boast one of the world’s most dangerous attacking line-ups, led by captain Barbara Banda. The Copper Queens also have the pace and creativity of Rachael Kundananji and Grace Chanda, making them one of the tournament favourites.

For Nigeria, victory is essential to keep alive hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages and maintaining their proud record of appearing at every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the competition’s inception in 1991. Progress at WAFCON also serves as the qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Saturday’s clash also renews a growing rivalry between the two sides. Zambia denied Nigeria a podium finish at the 2022 WAFCON by defeating the Super Falcons in the third-place play-off.

Nigeria, however, responded in emphatic fashion last year, thrashing the Copper Queens 5-0 in the quarter-finals of an international competition to restore their dominance.

Despite the disappointing start in Morocco, Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu remains confident his side can recover.

“We are focused and not deterred,” Madugu said. “Our objective remains securing qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and successfully defending our WAFCON title.”

With their backs against the wall, the Super Falcons know only a convincing performance and victory over Zambia will restore confidence and put their title defence firmly back on course.