In one of the biggest shocks in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) history, tournament debutants Malawi defeated 10-time champions Nigeria 3-2 in their Group C opening match at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Led by sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, the Scorchers punished Nigeria’s defensive lapses in a thrilling second half, ending the Super Falcons’ long-standing record of never losing an opening WAFCON fixture to a debutant nation.
Key Match Highlights
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Goalless First Half: Justine Madugu’s side dominated possession during the opening 45 minutes but struggled to convert opportunities past a compact Malawian defense.
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Chawinga Sisters Strike: The deadlock was broken in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga finished off a quick counter-attack. Six minutes later, team captain Tabitha Chawinga doubled Malawi’s lead.
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Stoppage-Time Drama: Nigeria pulled a goal back in the 92nd minute via a Rasheedat Ajibade penalty. However, Temwa Chawinga completed her brace three minutes later to make it 3-1.
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Late Consolidation: Substitute Uchenna Kanu scored in the 99th minute to bring Nigeria within one goal, but the final whistle blew shortly after to seal Malawi’s historic win.
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│ MATCH SUMMARY: NIGERIA vs. MALAWI │
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│ • Tournament Phase : WAFCON 2026 — Group C Opener (Rabat, Morocco) │
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│ • Final Score : Nigeria (Super Falcons) 2 - 3 Malawi (Scorchers) │
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│ • Goalscorers : • Malawi: Temwa Chawinga (73', 95'), │
│ Tabitha Chawinga (79') │
│ • Nigeria: Rasheedat Ajibade (92' pen), │
│ Uchenna Kanu (99') │
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│ • Group C Standings: Zambia (3 pts, +6 GD), Malawi (3 pts, +1 GD), │
│ Nigeria (0 pts, -1 GD), Egypt (0 pts, -6 GD). │
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(Sources: CAF Online & Match Protocol Briefings)
Group C Outlook
The defeat leaves the Super Falcons third in Group C behind Zambia—who earned a 6-0 victory over Egypt—and Malawi. Nigeria now faces a must-win situation in their upcoming group fixtures against Egypt and Zambia to secure safe passage to the knockout stages.
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
