Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu has defended his team selection and tactical decisions after the defending champions suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat by Malawi in their opening Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Falcons were expected to begin their title defence with a victory against WAFCON debutants Malawi, but instead suffered a painful defeat in a match that produced all five goals in the second half.
The result was a major setback for Nigeria, who entered the tournament as defending champions and were widely expected to overcome Malawi after several of the competition’s leading teams had started their campaigns with wins.
Madugu has now addressed the defeat while defending the decision to make changes to the team’s setup and use players in positions that were not necessarily their usual roles.
Nigeria went into the match without some of the important players who had contributed to their success at the previous edition of the tournament. Among those unavailable was Ashley Plumptre, who missed the opening game because of injury.
Her absence led to Michelle Alozie being used at left-back, while Christy Ucheibe was selected in central defence. The decisions attracted criticism following Nigeria’s unexpected loss, with questions raised over the defensive organisation and the choice to deploy players in unfamiliar positions.
Madugu, however, explained that the coaching staff had deliberately opted to experiment with the team’s formation and personnel. He defended the selections, saying the changes were part of an attempt to find a different approach for the match.
The decision ultimately came under greater scrutiny after Malawi produced one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far.
The first half ended without a goal, but the game changed dramatically after the interval as Malawi found a way through the Nigerian defence.
Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, producing a fine finish to put the tournament newcomers in front. Six minutes later, her older sister Tabitha increased Malawi’s advantage, leaving Nigeria facing the possibility of an embarrassing opening defeat.
The Super Falcons responded late in the contest when Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the second minute of stoppage time. The goal appeared to give the defending champions a chance of rescuing a point from a difficult evening.
That hope was short-lived, however, as Temwa Chawinga scored again moments later to restore Malawi’s two-goal advantage. The Chawinga sisters had proved decisive, with their contributions leaving Nigeria’s defence unable to contain Malawi’s attacking threat.
Nigeria refused to give up and Uchenna Kanu scored late in the match, setting up a tense conclusion. The Super Falcons pushed for another equaliser, but Malawi managed to protect their lead until the final whistle.
The victory was historic for Malawi, giving them their first-ever win at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. For Nigeria, it marked a disappointing beginning to a campaign in which they had hoped to retain their continental crown.
Madugu’s defence of his selections comes as the Super Falcons prepare to respond to the setback. The defeat means Nigeria must recover quickly from their opening loss and address the issues exposed during the second half against Malawi.
The result also highlights the difficulties facing a team attempting to defend its continental title. Nigeria entered the tournament with high expectations, but Malawi demonstrated that the defending champions could not afford to underestimate any opponent.
The absence of key players, including Plumptre, forced changes to the starting line-up, while Alozie and Ucheibe were asked to operate in positions that attracted criticism after the match.
Madugu has nevertheless stood by the thinking behind those decisions, insisting that the coaching staff were attempting a different tactical approach rather than making changes without purpose.
The Super Falcons must now put the defeat behind them as they continue their Group C campaign. After beginning the tournament with a result few expected, Nigeria will need to regroup and improve if they are to recover their title defence.
For Malawi, meanwhile, the win provides a historic start to their first appearance at the WAFCON. The Chawinga sisters’ goals helped secure a memorable victory, while the Super Falcons were left to reflect on a night in which their tactical decisions and defensive performance came under intense scrutiny.
Madugu will now hope his players can respond positively to the setback and show why Nigeria remain among the leading forces in African women’s football as their attempt to retain the WAFCON title continues.
