Having been named as the captain of Nigeria's starting XI, Ajibade played the entirety of the fixture alongside Echegini but could only reduce the deficit for her side from the spot in added time at the end of the second half.
The Super Falcons will now take on their Zambian counterparts – who thrashed Egypt 6–0 in their own opener – in their second game of the tournament, which is set to take place at 22:00 CET this Saturday.
NIGERIA 2–3 MALAWI (0–0 at HT)
2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations – Group stage – Matchday 1 – Group C
Al Medina Stadium (Rabat, Morocco)
Goals: Ajibade (90'+2) and Kanu (90'+9) for Nigeria / Temwa Chawinga (73', 90'+5) and Tabitha Chawinga (79') for Malawi.
NIGERIA: Nnadozie, Oladipo, Ohale, Demehin, Alozie, Ajibade, Ayinde (Abiodun, 90'), Echegini, Ijamilusi (Payne, 56'), Okoronkwo (Oshoala, 83'), Ihezuo (Kanu, 56'). Coach: Justine Madugu.
MALAWI: Sikelo, Mkandawire, Alufandika, Madise, Khumalo, Nguluwe (Thom, 50'), Chinyamula, Kadzere (Chikupira, 90'), Chinzimu, Tabitha Chawinga, Temwa Chawinga. Coach: Lovermore Fazili.
