Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat to debutants Malawi in their opening Group C fixture of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
As a result, the Scorchers pulled off one of the biggest shocks in the history of the competition, ending the reigning champions’ proud unbeaten record against WAFCON debutants. Sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga were the architects of the historic upset, combining for all three of Malawi’s goals on a night that will live long in the memory of Malawian football.
Coach Justin Madugu opted to start a front three of Esther Okoronkwo, Florence Ijamilusi and Chiwendu Ihezuo, however the trio could not muster a single shot on target throughout the opening 45 minutes. Sloppy passing, poor communication and slow build-up play defined Nigeria’s opening statement of intent, and Malawi, in turn, grew increasingly comfortable on the ball as the half wore on. Meanwhile, Temwa Chawinga’s early cut-back to her sister Tabitha was denied by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, offering the first real warning of what was to come.
Everything changed in the final twenty minutes. Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, latching onto an assist from Ireen Khumalo to score Malawi’s first-ever WAFCON goal, and the strike immediately rattled Nigeria’s back line. Consequently, Tabitha Chawinga doubled her side’s advantage just six minutes later, capitalising on the confusion to put the debutants two goals to the good against the tournament’s most decorated side.
Nigeria did search for a way back into the contest, introducing Asisat Oshoala in the 83rd minute for a struggling Okoronkwo. However, the introduction did little to settle their nerves in the moment. A lifeline eventually arrived in the 89th minute when Rose Alufandika handled the ball inside the box, and Rasheedat Ajibade duly stepped up to convert the resulting penalty.
Speaking to ESPN before the tournament began, Temwa Chawinga had already made her intentions clear, saying that beating the defending champions in their first game would mean a great deal to her side. Her words proved prophetic soon after, as Temwa struck again in the 95th minute to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion in stoppage time.
Still, the Green and Whites refused to fold. Uchenna Kanu pulled another goal back in the 99th minute after slipping the ball under goalkeeper Sikelo following a flick-on from a long ball, setting up a nervy finish. Nevertheless, Malawi held firm through the remaining minutes to seal a famous 3-2 victory and send their players sprinting onto the pitch in wild celebration at the final whistle.
The result represents a major setback in their pursuit of an unprecedented 11th continental title, and it marks the first time the Super Falcons have lost to a WAFCON debutant since the competition began in 1988.
Furthermore, the defeat leaves Madugu’s side under immediate pressure in Group C, particularly after Zambia thrashed Egypt 6-0 on the same match day to sit top of the standings. As things stand, Nigeria occupy third place in the group table, meaning qualification for the knockout rounds is no longer guaranteed and now hinges on their remaining fixtures.
Nigeria must now regroup quickly ahead of a must-win clash against Zambia, a fixture that has suddenly taken on far greater significance following the loss to Malawi.
Anything other than victory would leave the Super Falcons’ knockout stage hopes, and by extension their bid for an 11th WAFCON crown, hanging by a thread. Malawi, meanwhile, will carry their newfound belief into a meeting with Egypt on Saturday, aiming to build on a night that has already reshaped the landscape of Group C.
