As the race for a place in the 2026 WAFCON quarter-finals reaches its boiling point, one Chawinga pre-match comment has suddenly become the centre of attention.
Malawi captain and global football star, Tabitha Chawinga has openly admitted she hopes neighbours Zambia go all the way to lift the WAFCON trophy if her own country cannot.
She describing the Copper Queens as “brothers and sisters” and insisting the entire Southern African region would celebrate together if they became African champions.
The remarks come just hours before Malawi and Zambia lock horns in a crucial Group C showdown, a fixture that could directly influence Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
For Super Falcons supporters, Chawinga’s comments are bound to spark debate.
A Group Hanging in the Balance
Group C remains delicately poised heading into the final round of matches.
Malawi have emerged as the tournament’s surprise package after collecting six points from their opening two matches, including a stunning victory over defending champions Nigeria.
Nigeria and Zambia both sit on three points, while Egypt are still searching for their first victory.
With the Malawi-Zambia encounter taking place simultaneously with Nigeria’s clash against Egypt, every goal scored in Rabat could have major consequences elsewhere.
That is why Chawinga’s pre-match comments have attracted so much attention.
‘We Need This Cup to Come to Zambia’ – Chawinga
Speaking before the decisive encounter, the Malawi captain described the fixture against Zambia as one between close neighbours rather than bitter rivals.
Although she exoplained that Malawi would still compete fiercely, Chawinga admitted she would be delighted if Zambia eventually lifted the trophy.
“Of course it’s like friendly, but for me it’s not like a friendly, it’s a match, a match or whatever we play, any games.”
She explained that Malawi had previously used matches against Zambia to prepare the Copper Queens for major tournaments.
“We prepare our sister Zambia for Africa Cup of Nations and we believe we will give Zambia a tough game, so they need to wake up for the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Then came the statement that has generated widespread discussion.
“As of me, I’m wishing Zambia all the best for Africa Cup of Nations and we need this cup to come to Zambia.”
“If it comes to Zambia, it means we Malawians will celebrate together because we are brothers and sisters.”
“So I think it will be a good game.”
A Friendly… But Not Really?
Interestingly, Chawinga appeared to send mixed signals while previewing the encounter.
At one point, she referred to the fixture as being “like friendly,” only to immediately clarify that her team would approach it as a competitive contest.
Her explanation suggested that the close relationship between the neighbouring countries creates a unique atmosphere, even though both sides still intend to fight for victory.
That distinction could prove important given what is at stake.
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Should Nigeria Be Concerned?
Chawinga’s comments may naturally raise eyebrows among Nigerian supporters, particularly because the outcome of the Malawi-Zambia match could directly affect the Super Falcons’ route into the quarter-finals.
However, based on what she actually said, there is no clear evidence that Malawi intend to take the match lightly or fail to compete.
In fact, Chawinga repeatedly emphasized that Malawi would give Zambia “a tough game” and described it as a proper match rather than merely an exhibition.
Her remarks about supporting Zambia appear to reflect regional solidarity rather than suggesting any intention to influence the result.
Professional players still have every incentive to win.
A victory would allow Malawi to finish the group stage with a perfect record, maintain momentum heading into the knockout rounds and further surprising as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
Nigeria’s Fate Still Lies in Their Own Performance
While attention may drift toward events in the Malawi-Zambia fixture, the Super Falcons know their immediate priority is defeating Egypt.
Anything less than maximum focus could prove costly.
Justin Madugu’s side revived their campaign by overcoming Zambia despite playing much of that contest with 10 players, demonstrating the resilience that has defined Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.
Now, they must produce another professional performance against Egypt before worrying about developments elsewhere.
Only after the final whistle in both stadiums will the complete Group C picture emerge.
