Nigeria’s Super Falcons will be under immense pressure when they face Zambia women’s national football team on Saturday in a crucial 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C fixture.
The defending champions began their title defence with a shock 3-2 defeat to Malawi, a result few fans or pundits had anticipated.
Making their tournament debut, Malawi stunned the nine-time champions with an impressive display inspired by sisters Temwa Chawinga and Tabitha Chawinga. Temwa scored the first and third goals, while Tabitha added the second as the Scorchers raced into a 3-1 lead before late goals from Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu reduced the deficit.
Despite the late rally, Justin Madugu’s side could not avoid defeat, leaving their title defence in jeopardy.
Football analyst Adebari said Malawi deserved their victory, although he believed Nigeria’s tactical plan was sound but poorly executed.
“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 for execution,” he said.
He added that the coach appeared to recognise the problem with early second-half substitutions, but Nigeria failed to match Malawi’s intensity.
Adebari also noted that the gap between Africa’s traditional powerhouses and emerging teams is closing.
“The truth is, the fringe African nations are gradually catching up to the big names in terms of football development. No team is a pushover anymore.”
Nigeria now face a formidable Zambia side that opened their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Egypt to top Group C.
Adebari expects a fiercely contested encounter and suggested changes to the Super Falcons’ starting lineup, including introducing Shukurat Oladipo in central defence, moving Michelle Alozie to right-back, and deploying Glory Ogbonna at left-back. He also recommended a midfield pairing of Halimatu Ayinde and Deborah Abiodun, with Ajibade in an attacking midfield role behind a front three of Toni Payne, Rinsola Babajide, and Asisat Oshoala.
According to him, Nigeria’s chances depend on their mentality and preparation.
“If the team is well set up and goes into the match determined to win, they will defeat Zambia. If they don’t bring their A-game, Zambia will win.”
A defeat would leave Nigeria’s hopes of retaining the WAFCON title hanging by a thread, making Saturday’s encounter one of the most important matches of the Super Falcons’ campaign.
