Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to WAFCON debutants Malawi in their opening Group C match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The Super Falcons dominated possession and created the better chances throughout much of the contest but were unable to convert their superiority into goals.
Against the run of play, Malawi broke the deadlock in the 69th minute through Temwa Chawinga before her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, doubled the lead to hand the tournament debutants a stunning 2-0 advantage over the defending champions.
Nigeria pulled a goal back in the first minute of stoppage time after captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty, raising hopes of a dramatic comeback.
However, Temwa Chawinga struck again deep into added time to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion and effectively seal a famous victory.
Uchenna Kanu scored a late consolation for Nigeria, but the Super Falcons were unable to find an equaliser as Malawi held on for a memorable 3-2 win.
The result marked the first time the defending champions have lost to a debutant at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with the historic victory putting the Scorchers in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to Saturday’s crucial Group C encounter against Zambia. The Copper Queens opened their campaign with a resounding 6-0 victory over Egypt, setting up a high-stakes clash with the Super Falcons.
The meeting will also renew a recent rivalry between the two sides after Nigeria defeated Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2024 WAFCON.
