Super Falcons lose 3-2 to Malawi in WAFCON 2026 opener – Okoronkwo reacts

Nigeria's Super Falcons suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to debutants Malawi in their opening Group C match of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Malawi's sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga scored all three goals for the visitors, with Temwa netting a brace and Tabitha adding one. Nigeria's goals came from Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Uchenna Kanu.

The loss raises concerns for the defending champions, who entered the match as clear favourites. Dropping points early in the group stage complicates their path to the knockout rounds and raises questions about tactical readiness and squad depth ahead of tougher fixtures against established WAFCON powers.

Midfielder Esther Okoronkwo said the team came out flat and must learn from the mistake, adding that a possible penalty call when she was fouled in the box was not given but she chose not to dwell on it. She urged the squad to regroup and come back stronger in the next Group C fixture. Will the Super Falcons bounce back in their next Group C match, and what changes do fans hope to see?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/29/wafcon-2026-why-super-falcons-lost-to-malawi-okoronkwo/