WAFCON: 3 Madugu and Super Falcons mistakes that backfired against Malawi, Zambia & Egypt

The Super Falcons booked a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a thrilling 6-2 victory over Egypt, but Nigeria’s journey to the knockout stage was far from comfortable, Afrik-Foot reports.

The defending African champions ended Group C in second place after collecting six points from three matches. An unexpected 3-2 defeat to tournament newcomers Malawi put the team under immediate pressure before they recovered with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia and finished the group with an attacking masterclass against Egypt.

Despite scoring seven goals across their final two matches, questions remain about head coach Justin Madugu’s tactical decisions during the opening phase of the tournament in Morocco. Nigeria, a team expected to dominate opponents, instead looked vulnerable in several areas and had to work much harder than expected to secure qualification.

Here are three key decisions that appeared to hurt the Super Falcons during the group stage. With a quarter-final meeting against an in-form Cameroon side now on the horizon after the Indomitable Lionesses finished top of Group D with maximum points, Madugu will hope those lessons have already been learned.

Leaving out Super Falcons’ experienced leaders against Malawi

One of the most surprising calls made by coach Madugu came before Nigeria’s opening match against Malawi.

Madugu surprised many by leaving experienced stars Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe out of his starting XI. The decision removed much of the team’s leadership, experience and balance from the opening lineup.

Malawi took advantage of Nigeria’s lack of control and stunned the ten-time African champions with a 3-2 victory. It was an historic result, the first time the Super Falcons had ever lost to a nation making its WAFCON debut.

Nigeria looked disjointed throughout the contest, struggling to control possession in midfield while also lacking the cutting edge usually provided by Oshoala’s movement in attack.

Madugu’s response suggested he quickly recognised the mistake. Three of those four players returned to the starting lineup against Zambia, restoring the experienced spine that had been missing just days earlier. The changes helped Nigeria produce a much more disciplined display as they claimed a vital 1-0 victory to revive their qualification hopes.

Playing key players away from their strongest roles

Another major sticking point centred on how several players were deployed during the group stage. Nigeria’s first-choice right-back. Michelle Alozie was deployed as a left-back. Shukurat Oladipo, traditionally a centre-back, slotted into a full-back role. Two of the Super Falcons’ best defenders were used in tactical roles that limited both their strengths and the team’s overall balance.

Rather than allowing players to perform in their most natural positions, the tactical setup often appeared forced. The lack of familiarity affected Nigeria’s defensive shape and slowed attacking transitions when possession changed hands.

That imbalance became increasingly obvious whenever opponents broke forward quickly. Nigeria, traditionally one of Africa’s strongest defensive teams, looked unusually open throughout parts of the group stage.

The Super Falcons conceded five goals in three matches, an unusually high total for a side that has built its reputation on defensive organisation over many years. A better-balanced tactical structure will be essential if Nigeria hope to overcome stronger opponents in the knockout rounds.

Defensive instability almost derailed Nigeria’s campaign

Nigeria’s biggest concern throughout the group stage was the lack of defensive control. The collapse against Malawi exposed major weaknesses in organisation, communication and game management. Defending champions are normally expected to dictate matches, yet Nigeria repeatedly allowed opponents opportunities to attack dangerous spaces.

Although the Super Falcons bounced back with victory over Zambia, the match created fresh problems. Defender Tosin Demehin received a straight red card, forcing Nigeria to defend with only ten players for more than 50 minutes. The team managed to protect its narrow lead, but the performance also highlighted how quickly the defensive structure could come under pressure.

Nigeria eventually eased concerns by beating Egypt 6-2 in their final group match, producing their best attacking display of the tournament. Even so, conceding twice against Egypt showed that defensive issues had not completely disappeared despite the impressive scoreline. It was the first time that Egypt would score twice in a match in the history of the WAFCON.

Those weaknesses could prove far more costly in the knockout rounds. Cameroon arrive in the quarter-finals with maximum points from Group D and plenty of confidence after an impressive group-stage campaign. Nigeria possess the quality to defend their continental title, but Madugu’s tactical decisions and defensive organisation are likely to come under even greater scrutiny when the Super Falcons face one of their biggest African rivals.