Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has called Nigeria’s 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their 2026 WAFCON opener a wake-up call, urging the team to regroup for upcoming matches.
Debutants Malawi stunned the defending champions, going 3-1 up through two goals from Temwa Chawinga and one from her sister Tabitha. Nigeria responded late with a Rasheedat Ajibade penalty and a stoppage-time goal from Uchenna Kanu, but fell short.
Oshoala said the result shows how quickly African women’s football is improving. “Smaller nations are closing the gap. It’s a wake-up call—every team wants to win this trophy,” she said.
She remains confident Nigeria can recover: “It’s a long tournament. We just need to prepare for the next game.” She also urged fans to keep supporting the team, noting a World Cup spot is at stake, and apologised for the defeat.
Nigeria next face Zambia on Saturday, before meeting Egypt on August 5. Zambia opened with a 6-0 win over Egypt.
