By our reporter 29.7.2026
Super Falcons central defence was a complete write off in their Women Africa Cup of Nations opening game 3-2 shocking loss to debutants Malawi in Rabat Morocco.
All three goals conceded by goalkeeper Chidojie Nnadozie were cheap give aways because of a breakdown in communication between central defenders Osinachi Ohale and Oluwatosin Demehin and also a midfield that struggled to close-up wide-open spaces.
Coach Justin Madugu seem to have got his tactics wrong in the match by playing several players out of position one of such is starting Mitchelle Alozie at left back. Madugu accepted responsibility for the epic collapse of the team to the fast-moving Scorchers from Malawi.
“We had some challenges in defence…We accept responsibility for whatever happened, we’ll go back and try to work on whatever mistakes we may have noticed,”Madugu said.
“There will always be criticism and comments when things like this go wrong.
“We accept those things.”
The Super Falcons must now win against Zambia to nurse any hope of progressing in the tournament otherwise it will be goodbye to the 2027 FIFA Women World Cup in Brazil. Zambia thrashed Egypt 6-0 in the other group C match.
“We will need to get over whatever may have happened.
“We’ll get it right the next time.
“It’s a wake-up call for all of us. We all know the importance of this edition of the WAFCON, and we’re not taking anything for granted.”
“It’s a wake-up call for us.”