The shocking 3-2 defeat of Nigeria’s Super Falcons to competition debutants, Malawi’s Scorchers, at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco has sparked concerns among stakeholders.

This is following the team’s declining dominance in African women’s football.

Some stakeholders who spoke in separate interviews  on Wednesday in Lagos expressed concerns over the fitness level of some of the players.

They also questioned the appointment of Coach Justin Madugu to lead the team.

In what could rank among one of the  biggest upsets in WAFCON history, debutants Malawi stunned the 10-time African champions at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

The Chawinga sisters played pivotal roles in Malawi’s historic victory, helping the Scorchers record their first-ever WAFCON win. Nigeria fought back but could not avoid defeat.

A United Kingdom-based journalist, Ayo Akinfe, expressed concern over the fitness of some Super Falcons players, saying a number of them appeared overweight.

“My first concern about the team is their fitness. Some of them are overweight, especially Chiamaka Nnadozie and the left-back.

“The team needs to work on its fitness. I am also worried about the justification for the appointment of Coach Justin Madugu. I seriously doubt his technical ability. I wonder why the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) settled for someone who does not have the pedigree of the former coach, Randy Waldrum,” he said.

Coach Mark Sarafi, reacting to the loss, blamed the team’s overconfidence.

“Only the ignorant would think it would be a walk in the park for the Falcons. The fact that Malawi are debutants at WAFCON does not mean they just started playing football.

“They have a women’s league and several of their players ply their trade abroad. It is high time we stopped thinking the Super Falcons will continue to dominate women’s football in Africa, while others stand by and watch.

“They must improve or risk being left behind. The onus is on the NFF to restrategise in player recruitment, welfare, coaching appointments, the women’s league and indeed the entire women’s football ecosystem,” he said.

Also, a sports writer, Akeem Busari, expressed shock at the result, but praised Malawi for their confidence and determination.

“The Super Falcons played their worst game in more than five years. I would not blame the coach entirely for the defeat. The Malawians were better mentally and physically. They capitalised on the glaring gaps in Nigeria’s defence. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie must also take responsibility for some of the goals conceded,” Mr Busari said.

Contributing, Sports marketer, Christopher Ezekiel said the team appeared to be losing its competitive edge and struggled to match Malawi’s intensity.

“The Nigerian team is filled with experienced players who should have performed much better. I think complacency has crept into the team.

“Unlike the Malawians, who played with confidence and determination, the Super Falcons lacked the intensity required. The Malawian played with conviction, were never intimidated and deserved the victory,” Mr Ezekiel said. (NAN)