WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons Must Learn From Loss To Malawi –Ekpo

Former Nigerian international Friday Ekpo has advised the Super Falcons to learn from their loss to Malawi if they are to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Recall that Nigeria suffered a shocking 3-2 loss to Malawi on Tuesday as they began their defence of the title.

Malawi broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute through Temwa Chawinga before her sister Tabitha Chawinga doubled the debutants’ advantage six minutes later.

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With time running out, Nigeria were handed a lifeline when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the 92nd minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The Super Falcons pressed desperately for an equaliser, but Malawi struck again in the fifth minute of added time, with Temwa Chawinga completing her brace to restore the Scorchers’ two-goal cushion.

Nigeria refused to surrender and pulled another goal back through Uchenna Kanu in the ninth minute of stoppage time, but Malawi held on to secure one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history.

Reacting after the game, Ekpo, who expressed disappointment with the team loss to Malawi, however, told Completesports.com that he’s confident the Super Falcons will bounce back to winning ways in their next game.

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“It’s disappointing to know that the Super Falcons lost their opening game against Malawi. On paper, many people would have predicted that Nigeria would overcome Malawi but that is not the case.

“I expect the team to learn from this defeat against Malawai and bounce back to winning ways in their next game. I am still confident that the Super Falcons will qualify from the group despite their opening defeat.

Nigeria will now have to bounce back in their next Group C fixture to revive their campaign, while Malawi’s historic victory has significantly boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.