WAFCON 2026 : MALAWI SHOCK SUPER FALCONS IN HISTORIC 3-2 DEFEAT

  By Olopade Sakiru 

The Super Falcons of Nigeria suffered a stunning setback in their opening game of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday night, losing 3-2 to tournament debutants Malawi in a dramatic Group C encounter at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. 

The result has immediately thrown Nigeria’s title defence into uncertainty, while Malawi have announced themselves on the continental stage in remarkable fashion.

Nigeria, the defending champions and record winners of the competition with 10 titles, entered the contest as overwhelming favourites against a Malawi side making its first appearance at the WAFCON finals. 

However, the Scorchers showed from the opening minutes that they were not prepared to be overawed by Nigeria’s reputation. 

The first half ended goalless, with the Falcons enjoying periods of possession but struggling to translate their dominance into clear-cut scoring opportunities.

The game changed dramatically after the interval. Malawi became increasingly confident and began exploiting spaces around the Nigerian defence. 

Their persistence finally paid off in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock after being set up by Ireen Khumalo. Six minutes later, her sister Tabita Chawinga struck again, sending the debutants into a remarkable 2-0 lead and leaving Nigeria facing an unexpected crisis.

With time running out, Nigeria finally found a route back into the contest. Rasheedat Ajibade converted from the penalty spot in the second minute of added time to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The goal appeared to give the Falcons renewed belief, but before they could complete the comeback, Malawi delivered another devastating blow. 

Temwa Chawinga returned to score her second of the night in the fifth minute of stoppage time, restoring Malawi’s two-goal advantage.

Nigeria refused to surrender and Uchenna Kanu pulled another goal back in the ninth minute of stoppage time, making the score 3-2. 

The late goal set up a frantic finish, but Malawi held their nerve through the final moments to secure one of the most memorable victories in their football history.

Beyond the three points, Malawi’s victory carries considerable historical significance. 

The Scorchers became the first debutant side to defeat Nigeria at the WAFCON, ending the Falcons’ long-standing record of never losing to a first-time participant in the competition. 

For the Chawinga sisters, the night was particularly special, with Temwa scoring twice and Tabita contributing the other goal in a performance that will place both players firmly among the early talking points of the tournament.

For Nigeria, the defeat is an early warning that the defence of their crown will require far more than reputation and past achievements. 

The Falcons showed enough attacking intent to score twice late in the match, but their inability to turn first-half control into goals and their defensive lapses after the break proved costly. 

With the tournament still in its early stages, Nigeria must quickly regroup, correct the weaknesses exposed against Malawi and respond strongly in their remaining Group C fixtures if they are to keep their hopes of retaining the African crown alive.