Nigeria midfielder Christy Ucheibe has attributed the Super Falcons’ shock 3-2 defeat to Malawi at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to the rising standard of women’s football across the continent, rather than any specific failing on Nigeria’s part, while vowing the team will respond with a better performance against Zambia.
The 10-time champions were beaten stunningly in their Group C opener in Rabat on Tuesday, with the match goalless at halftime before Malawi’s Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, struck twice and once respectively in the second half to give the Scorchers a two-goal cushion. Rasheedat Ajibade pulled one back for Nigeria in stoppage time, but Temwa restored Malawi’s advantage before Uchenna Kanu’s late strike proved only a consolation.
Ucheibe, who watched the game from the bench, said the result reflected the growing competitiveness of women’s football in Africa rather than any deep-rooted problem within the Super Falcons squad.
“I’m going to say it’s football. Nothing went wrong; both teams played very well, and that’s just football for you. You lose, you win, or you draw. But either way, you bounce back.
“In the next game against Zambia, we will try our best to get through this phase so we can qualify for the World Cup and defend our title,” the Benfica midfielder said. Related News Falcons know what is at stake, says Oshoala Malawi loss wake-up call – Madugu We’ll come back against Zambia – Okoronkwo
