The Super Falcons suffered one of the biggest upsets in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history after Malawi claimed a stunning 3-2 victory in their Group C opener at the 2026 WAFCON in Rabat on Tuesday. Tournament debutants Malawi shocked the 10 time African champions with a fearless display to record their first ever win in the competition and throw Group C wide open.
Nigeria entered the match as overwhelming favourites and had never lost to a WAFCON debutant in 18 previous meetings. Their only dropped points against a first time participant came in a goalless draw against Tunisia in 2008. However, a sluggish first half and costly defensive mistakes after the break allowed the Scorchers to script a famous victory.
The Super Falcons created chances but struggled to find their rhythm, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie repeatedly rescued the team by dealing with dangerous long balls played behind the defence. Malawi, however, remained patient and continued to test Nigeria’s backline throughout the contest.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 73rd minute. Ireen Khumalo delivered another long pass behind the Nigerian defence, and Nnadozie mistimed her attempt to clear the ball. Temwa Chawinga raced through on goal and calmly slotted into the net. After a VAR review confirmed the goal, Malawi celebrated a deserved 1-0 lead.
Nigeria responded by pushing numbers forward in search of an equaliser, but the Super Falcons failed to break through Malawi’s disciplined defence. Instead, the Scorchers doubled their advantage five minutes later. Another long ball exposed poor communication between Nigeria’s defenders and Nnadozie, allowing captain Tabitha Chawinga to guide the ball into an empty net for 2-0.
The Super Falcons were handed a lifeline when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty to reduce the deficit and revive Nigeria’s hopes. Yet Malawi refused to buckle under pressure and continued to threaten on the counter attack.
Deep into stoppage time, another loose ball in midfield sparked a swift Malawi attack. The move ended with Temwa Chawinga producing a composed volley over the poorly positioned Nnadozie to seal her second goal of the night and put the result beyond doubt. Uchenna Kanu grabbed a late consolation with the final kick of the game, but it was not enough to prevent a painful defeat for the defending champions.
The result leaves Malawi level on three points with group leaders Zambia, who earlier thrashed Egypt 6-0. Zambia remain top on goal difference, while the Super Falcons now face enormous pressure ahead of their next fixture against the Copper Queens. Another defeat would end Nigeria’s hopes of defending their continental crown.
The victory ranks among the greatest shocks in WAFCON history, with Malawi announcing their arrival on the continental stage in remarkable fashion. Their dream debut has significantly strengthened their chances of reaching the knockout stage, while the Super Falcons must recover quickly to keep their campaign alive.
Malawi head coach Lovemore Fazili had confidently predicted his team’s ability to spring a surprise before kick off.
“Getting this far means that we are ready for this match.
“People may underestimate us but we are a good team, capable of causing an upset. We are not resigned victims.”
Captain Tabitha Chawinga also urged her teammates to believe before the historic encounter.
“It was my dream to play in the WAFCON. The time has come. We know Nigeria’s worth.
“They are a great nation but we must focus on ourselves. Our players need to compete without any inferiority complex,” she stated before the game.
