The battle for qualification in Group C at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations intensified on matchday two, with Nigeria bouncing back from an opening defeat and Malawi continuing their dream debut with another impressive victory.
Super Falcons returned to winning ways after overcoming Zambia 1-0 in a spirited performance that saw them play with 10 players for much of the encounter.
Following their surprising loss to Malawi in the opening round, the nine-time African champions needed a positive response and delivered one early in the contest.
The breakthrough came within the opening 10 minutes when Asisat Oshoala latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from captain Rasheedat Ajibade before guiding the ball beyond the Zambian goalkeeper.
Although the effort took a slight deflection, the loose ball crossed the line to give Nigeria a priceless lead.
The match became significantly more difficult before the interval after defender Tosin Demehin was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for bringing down Zambia captain Barbra Banda, who was through on goal.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Super Falcons produced a disciplined defensive display to frustrate the Copper Queens, who dominated possession and introduced several attacking players in search of an equaliser.
Head coach Justine Madugu also turned to his bench, bringing on Esther Okoronkwo, Halimatu Ayinde, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Sikiratu Oladipo to reinforce the team as Nigeria successfully protected their slim advantage until the final whistle.
The victory handed the Super Falcons their first three points of the tournament and kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stage firmly in their own hands.
Michelle Alozie’s tireless display at both ends of the pitch earned her the TotalEnergies Woman of the Match award.
Elsewhere, tournament newcomers Malawi maintained their remarkable start to WAFCON 2026 with an impressive 3-1 triumph over Egypt.
Fresh from their headline-grabbing victory against Nigeria, the Scorchers once again showed confidence and attacking quality, taking the lead late in the first half through Rose Kadzere.
Faith Chinzimu doubled Malawi’s advantage in first-half stoppage time, giving the debutants complete control heading into the break.
Malawi’s task became more complicated shortly after halftime when Rose Alufandika received a red card, reducing her side to 10 players. However, instead of sitting back, the Scorchers continued to push forward.
Their attacking intent was rewarded in the 69th minute as star forward Temwa Chawinga scored her third goal of the competition to make it 3-0.
Egypt managed a late response through Eman Kassem, but it proved only a consolation as Malawi comfortably held on for another memorable victory.
Kadzere, who registered both a goal and an assist, was deservedly named the TotalEnergies Woman of the Match.
After two rounds of matches, Malawi sit proudly at the top of Group C with a perfect six points and are on the verge of reaching the quarter-finals in their maiden WAFCON appearance.
Nigeria and Zambia remain tied on three points, setting up a tense final round of fixtures, while Egypt are bottom of the standings without a point.
The Super Falcons now know that victory over Egypt in their final group match could be enough to secure a place in the knockout stage and keep their quest for another continental title alive.