Super Falcons must refocus after Malawi shock but can still win WAFCON – Blankson insists

Former Rivers Angels coach Tosan Blankson says the Super Falcons can still lift the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite their surprise opening defeat by Malawi, but has warned that complacency and off-pitch distractions must be cut out immediately.

Nigeria fell 3-2 to tournament debutants Malawi in their first Group C fixture on Tuesday, a result Blankson believes was rooted in a lack of focus and an underestimation of the opposition.

Speaking to Completesports.com, Blankson criticised the Super Falcons’ mindset in the build-up to the match, arguing that attention drifted towards social media instead of the task on the pitch.

“This is the kind of result you get when you underestimate your opponent and choose to play on social media rather than focus and concentrate on the game at hand,” he said.

No ‘small teams’ anymore

Blankson stressed that the days of straightforward fixtures at international level are over, pointing to global trends to underline his view that Malawi’s win should not be dismissed as a freak result.

“There are no minnows in football any longer. The game is evolving rapidly everywhere. Take the case of Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup, for example,” he said.

According to the former Rivers Angels boss, the Super Falcons appeared unprepared for the intensity and organisation of the Scorchers and were caught out mentally as well as tactically.

“So, I think the Super Falcons were not focused. They lacked concentration and were shocked by Malawi,” he added.

Belief in title bid remains

Despite the setback, Blankson remains convinced that Nigeria retain the quality to go all the way in the competition if they respond quickly and decisively to the defeat.

“On the way to your destination, there are bound to be bumps. You have to overcome those bumps if you are to reach your destination, which is the trophy,” he told Completesports.com.

He believes the loss can serve as a turning point that sharpens the team’s mentality for the remainder of the tournament.

“The Super Falcons’ eyes have now been opened. They must adjust their focus and concentration in the remaining games.

“What’s most important is the destinationthe trophywhich I believe they can still win because the talent and quality are there.

“Once they put this setback behind them and focus on the remaining games, I believe they can still achieve their objective.”

Crucial fixtures ahead

Nigeria now face a pivotal period in Group C as they attempt to recover from the opening defeat and secure a place in the knockout stages of WAFCON 2026.

The Super Falcons take on the Copper Queens of Zambia in their second group match on Saturday, 1 August at Al Madina Stadium Rabat, in a fixture that is likely to be decisive for their campaign.

They then complete their group programme against Egypt on Wednesday, 5 August at the Olympic Stadium Rabat, where their prospects of progressing – and keeping their title ambitions alive – could be on the line.