Super Falcons' Dominance Sparks Chawinga's Humorous Pre-WAFCON Plea

Super Falcons' Dominance Sparks Chawinga's Humorous Pre-WAFCON Plea

By Our Reporter 

Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga has playfully acknowledged Nigeria's dominance in African women's football, jokingly asking Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala to spare her team from a heavy defeat when the two sides meet at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The light-hearted exchange took place during a pre-tournament panel featuring several of Africa's top female footballers, including Ghana's Cynthia Konlan and Egypt's Nadine Ghazi, and has since generated widespread attention on social media.

Ahead of Nigeria's opening Group C fixture against Malawi, Oshoala jokingly addressed the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa.

"Calm down, sisters. You and Temwa need to calm down," Oshoala said with a smile.

Responding in equally playful fashion, Chawinga replied: "Super Falcons need to calm down. Don't give us 5-0, please. 1-0 is enough."

The exchange drew laughter from fellow panellists and fans alike, highlighting the mutual respect between two of Africa's most accomplished footballers ahead of the tournament.

Beyond the humour, the conversation reflected Nigeria's formidable reputation on the continent. The Super Falcons enter the 2026 WAFCON as defending champions and remain the competition's most successful team, having won a record 10 continental titles. They will be aiming to retain the trophy and secure an unprecedented 11th championship.

Malawi, however, will be hoping to upset the odds. Led by sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, the Scorchers possess significant attacking quality and will be looking to make a strong impression in a challenging Group C.

Nigeria will begin their title defence against Malawi on 28 July before taking on Zambia and Egypt, with all of their group-stage matches scheduled to be played in Rabat, Morocco.

While the friendly banter has provided an entertaining build-up to the tournament, both teams will be fully focused once the action begins, with crucial points at stake in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.