By IJEOMA OKIGBO

Mansur Abdullahi, Assistant Coach of Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, has described the Super Falcons’ 2-3 loss to Malawi at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as a wake-up call.

The defeat at the Al-Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday is regarded as one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, with debutants Malawi overcoming 10-time champions Nigeria.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abdullahi said the result underscored the growing competitiveness of women’s football across Africa.

“The result was shocking, but it also shows that there are no longer any minnows in African football. Every country is improving, and the game is developing rapidly across the continent.

“The team simply had a bad day at the office. I believe this defeat will serve as a wake-up call for the players to raise their performance.

“The tournament has only just begun, and I am confident they will bounce back in their subsequent matches.

“The coach, Justin Madugu, will have to work on the players’ mental state and ensure they quickly put this setback behind them. They have the quality to respond positively,” Abdullahi said.

NAN reports that Nigeria controlled possession in the game and created several scoring chances in the opening half but failed to convert their opportunities as both sides went into the break goalless.

The match came alive in the closing stages when Malawi broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute through Temwa Chawinga.

Her sister, Tabitha doubled the advantage six minutes later to leave the defending champions with a mountain to climb.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade reduced the deficit in the 90th minute after calmly converting a penalty to revive Nigeria’s hopes.

However, Temwa struck again six minutes into stoppage time to restore Malawi’s two-goal lead and put the result beyond immediate doubt.

Substitute Uchenna Kanu pulled one back in the ninth minute of added time after connecting with a headed pass from the right.

The late goal reduced the deficit to 3-2, but Nigeria ran out of time as Malawi held on to record a famous victory.

The defeat leaves the Super Falcons under pressure ahead of their second Group C fixture against Zambia on Saturday, where victory will be crucial to revive their campaign.

Earlier that Tuesday, Zambia thrashed Egypt 6-0 to move to the top of Group C.

The four semi-finalists at the tournament will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. (NAN)

Update news