WAFCON 2026: 2 issues Nigeria must fix before Zambia clash

Nigeria’s title defence at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) could hardly have begun in a worse fashion, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Falcons suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in Rabat, with sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga exposing defensive frailties that had rarely been associated with Africa’s most successful national team, across men and women’s football.

While Malawi deserve enormous credit for executing their game plan to perfection, Nigeria’s shortcomings played an equally significant role in the upset.

With Zambia and their fearsome attacking duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji waiting next, Justine Madugu’s side have little room for error.

Here are the two big problems Nigeria must solve before facing the Copper Queens.

1. Nigeria’s defensive line cannot remain this vulnerable against Zambia

Malawi did not score three different types of goals. They scored virtually the same goal three times.

Every decisive moment stemmed from direct balls played over Nigeria’s defensive line, allowing Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga to exploit the space between Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Chiamaka Nnadozie's positioning for all three goals Nigeria conceded against Malawi 😮 pic.twitter.com/6ntCFb73v6

— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) July 28, 2026

The warning signs appeared before the breakthrough. Temwa repeatedly tested Nigeria with runs behind the defence, while Tabitha had an effort ruled out for offside early in the second half.

Nigeria failed to adjust. Temwa eventually opened the scoring after racing onto a long pass from Ireen Khumalo before rounding Nnadozie.

Minutes later, another ball over the top from Sabina Thom released Tabitha for Malawi’s second. Deep into stoppage time, Temwa completed her brace through almost an identical move. The pattern was impossible to ignore.

Against Zambia, the consequences could be even more severe. Banda and Kundananji arguably possess greater pace and physicality than the Chawinga sisters, while Zambia are equally comfortable attacking quickly in transition.

Madugu now faces a crucial tactical decision. Either the defensive line drops deeper to reduce the space behind, or Nigeria must improve their pressing higher up the pitch to prevent opponents from delivering those long passes altogether.

Repeating Tuesday’s defensive structure would hand Zambia exactly the type of opportunities they thrive on.

2. Super Falcons must rediscover creativity in attack

While the defensive collapse took most of the blame, Nigeria’s attack struggled for a large portion of the game against Malawi.

Madugu started with Esther Okoronkwo, Florence Ijamilusi and Chinwendu Ihezuo, but the trio failed to register a single shot on target in the opening half despite dominating possession.

The Super Falcons’ build-up was slow and predictable. Passes lacked urgency, movement between the lines was limited, and communication in the final third consistently broke down. Malawi remained compact, knowing Nigeria barely offered any threat.

Ironically, Nigeria looked far more dangerous after the introduction of Toni Payne and Uchenna Kanu.

Kanu immediately stretched Malawi’s backline with her direct running, while Payne injected greater tempo into midfield. Nigeria created better opportunities during the final half-hour, with Michelle Alozie firing narrowly wide before Rasheedat Ajibade converted a late penalty and Kanu added another goal in stoppage time.

Although those goals came too late to rescue the result, they highlighted that Nigeria possess enough attacking quality when they play with urgency and purpose.

Against Zambia, the Super Falcons cannot afford another sluggish start. Banda and Kundananji offer enormous attacking threats, meaning Nigeria will likely need to score more than once to secure victory. Creating chances from the first whistle, rather than relying on late pressure, will be essential.

The defeat to Malawi has not ended Nigeria’s tournament, but it has removed any margin for error. If anything, it was a necessary mistake by the defending Champions, a wake-up call for them to realise what is at stake.

Another defeat against Zambia would leave the defending champions facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout rounds and keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive.

If the Super Falcons can tighten their defensive organisation and inject greater urgency into their attacking play, they remain one of the favourites to recover.

If not, the opening-day shock against Malawi may prove to be the beginning of a much deeper crisis.