Super Falcons: 2 tactical decisions Madugu must get right against Zambia

The Super Falcons return to action at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) later tonight when they take on Zambia in their second Group C match, Afrik-Foot reports.

The match, which will be played at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, will be Nigeria’s second outing of the tournament as they search for their first victory.

While the Copper Queens cruised to a convincing 6-0 win over Egypt in their opening fixture, the Super Falcons endured a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Malawi in a performance that raised plenty of questions ahead of this crucial encounter.

With only the top two teams guaranteed qualification from the group, Nigeria cannot afford another slip-up. Their title defence and hopes of securing a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil are also on the line, making this a must-win game.

Head coach Justin Madugu made a number of questionable tactical decisions against Malawi, but he now has an opportunity to correct those mistakes. Afrik-Foot takes a look at two key decisions he must get right against Zambia.

Michelle Alozie: Stay at left back or return to her natural position?

One of the biggest concerns heading into WAFCON was how the Super Falcons would cope without Ashley Plumptre, who missed the tournament through injury.

Plumptre was one of Nigeria’s standout performers during their last WAFCON triumph, and her absence has left a huge gap in defence.

To fill that void, Madugu deployed Michelle Alozie at left back against Malawi. However, the Chicago Stars defender did little to show she should continue in that role.

Although she was not directly responsible for any of Malawi’s three goals, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie carrying much of the blame for the defensive lapses, Alozie looked far less effective than she usually does.

Operating on the left side of the defence limited one of her biggest strengths. Unlike when she plays at right back, where she regularly overlaps and combines well with the attackers, Alozie struggled to influence the game going forward and Nigeria lacked attacking threat down that flank.

Madugu must now decide whether to return Alozie to her natural right-back position and introduce a more natural left-footed defender at left back, especially considering the importance of tonight’s match.

Madugu must find Super Falcons’ best centre-back partnership 

Against Malawi, Madugu started with Oluwatosin Demehin and Osinachi Ohale in central defence, while Shukurat Oladipo featured at right back.

🦅🇳🇬 The Super Falcons face Zambia tonight, knowing a positive result is crucial to keep their #WAFCON2026 hopes alive. pic.twitter.com/WdUoLk2xWE

— Soar Africa! (@SSE_NGA) August 1, 2026

However, Malawi’s pace, led by sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, repeatedly exposed Nigeria’s central defenders. The duo consistently targeted Ohale and managed to beat the Super Falcons’ backline with their speed.

While Ohale’s experience remains valuable, Nigeria cannot afford to make the same mistake against a Zambia side blessed with even greater attacking quality. The Copper Queens boast one of the most dangerous forward lines in African football, with Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda and Racheal Kundananji all capable of punishing any defensive weakness.

One possible solution would be to move Oladipo into central defence alongside Demehin. Her pace and physicality could provide the cover Nigeria lacked against Malawi while offering better protection against Zambia’s quick attackers.

Madugu now faces a crucial selection decision as he looks to field his strongest defensive side for a match the Super Falcons simply cannot afford to lose, with kick-off scheduled for 9:00 pm Nigerian time.