Debutant Malawi produced one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their Group C opening match at the 2026 tournament in Rabat, Morocco.
The Super Falcons, who are chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, dominated possession for long periods but were made to pay for missed chances as Malawi delivered a fearless display in their first-ever appearance at the continental tournament.
The first half ended goalless despite Nigeria controlling much of the play. The Super Falcons pushed forward in search of an opening goal, but Malawi remained organised in defence and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie also made an important save to keep the scores level before the break.
Nigeria continued to dominate after the restart but failed to convert their chances. Coach Justin Madugu introduced Toni Payne for Folashade Ijamilusi in the 57th minute as the Super Falcons searched for a breakthrough.
Instead, it was Malawi who struck first. Captain Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock in the second half before her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, doubled the lead minutes later after another defensive lapse by Nigeria.
The defending champions found themselves two goals behind despite enjoying most of the possession and creating the better chances.
Nigeria fought back in stoppage time when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty to reduce the deficit and give the Super Falcons hope of an unlikely comeback.
However, Malawi restored their two-goal advantage almost immediately as Temwa Chawinga grabbed her second goal of the match to make it 3-1.
The Super Falcons refused to give up and Uchenna Kanu scored deep into added time to reduce the score to 3-2, but it proved too late as Malawi held on to secure a famous victory.
The final whistle confirmed a historic result for the Scorchers, who celebrated a remarkable winning start to life at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by defeating the tournament’s most successful team in their first-ever match.
The defeat was Nigeria’s first against a debutant at the competition since WAFCON began in 1998 and represents an early setback in the Super Falcons’ bid to retain the title.
The result also boosts Malawi’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage in Group C, while Nigeria will now come under pressure to bounce back in their next match against Zambia, who began their campaign with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Egypt.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations also serves as Africa’s qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
