Nigeria vs Zambia: Super Falcons Face Must Win Clash to Keep WAFCON 2026 Hopes Alive

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will be aiming to revive their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign when they take on Zambia on Saturday, following a shock opening defeat to tournament debutants Malawi.

The defending champions suffered a 3-2 loss in their Group C opener, leaving Justin Madugu’s side on the brink of elimination and in desperate need of victory to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

Malawi stunned the nine-time African champions with an impressive display, as sisters Temwa and Tabita Chawinga inspired the Scorchers to a memorable victory. Temwa netted twice, while Tabita added the other goal to give the debutants a commanding 3-1 lead before late strikes from Rasheedat Ajibade, from the penalty spot, and Uchenna Kanu reduced the deficit.

Reacting to the defeat, sports analyst, reporter and producer with News Central, Ope Adebari, said Malawi deserved the victory, although he believes the Super Falcons’ coach got his team selection wrong.

“Malawi played good football. They were the better team in the first half. I think coach Madugu had the right tactical approach but used the wrong set of players to execute it,” Adebari told Daily Post.

“Judging by the changes made early in the second half, I believe the coach realised his mistake, but the Super Falcons could not match the momentum of the tournament debutants.”

Adebari noted that the competition has become more competitive, pointing to South Africa’s disappointing start as further evidence that the gap between Africa’s traditional powerhouses and emerging nations is closing.

“The truth is that the fringe African nations are gradually catching up with the big names in terms of football development. No team is a pushover anymore because every country wants to win the tournament,” he said.

Nigeria now face Zambia, who opened their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Egypt to move to the top of Group C.

Looking ahead to the crucial encounter, Adebari described the match as a major test for Madugu and his technical crew.

“I expect a highly intense game. Nigeria are desperate for victory, while a confident Zambia side will be looking to book a place in the quarterfinals,” he said.

The analyst also suggested changes to the Super Falcons’ starting line-up, including the introduction of Shukurat Oladipo alongside Tosin Demehin in central defence, with Michelle Alozie at right-back and Glory Ogbonna at left-back.

He also recommended a midfield pairing of Halimatu Ayinde and Deborah Abiodun, with Rasheedat Ajibade operating in an advanced role behind a front three of Toni Payne, Rinsola Babajide and striker Asisat Oshoala.

“If the team is properly organised and approaches the game with the determination to win, they will defeat Zambia. But if they fail to bring their best performance, Zambia will come out on top,” Adebari added.