African Women's Cup of Nations: Nigeria's Falcons to Rebound from Loss to Malawi, According to Nnadozie

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Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has accepted responsibility for Nigeria’s shock defeat to Malawi in their opening match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, saying the team remains determined to bounce back.

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The Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper made the remarks in a post on her X handle on Thursday while reacting to the defending champions’ 3-2 loss to tournament debutants Malawi.

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“This one really hurts. Not the result we wanted, but the fight was real. Left it all on the field, but wasn’t enough to get the 3 points,” Nnadozie wrote.

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The 24-year-old goalkeeper said the players accepted responsibility for the performance against a difficult opponent.

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“We take full responsibility for our performance against a very tough opponent. Falls hurt, but we do not stay down.

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“Proud of this team.”

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Nigeria’s bid for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title suffered an early setback on Tuesday after the Super Falcons lost 3-2 to Malawi in their Group C opener.

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Temwa Chawinga scored twice, while captain Tabitha Chawinga added the other goal as the Scorchers recorded one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history.

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Captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a stoppage-time penalty before substitute Uchenna Kanu added another deep into added time, but Nigeria’s late rally was not enough to prevent defeat.

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The result left the Super Falcons third in Group C without a point, behind Zambia and Malawi, who both won their opening matches.

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Nigeria will face group leaders Zambia in a crucial Group C fixture on Saturday before concluding the group stage against Egypt on Wednesday as the nine-time? defending champions seek to revive their title defence.

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