By Crystal Ugoeze
Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat, Morocco.
Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances at the Al Madina Stadium, the defending champions failed to convert their opportunities, allowing Malawi to pull off one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history.
Malawi broke the deadlock in the 69th minute through Temwa Chawinga before her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, doubled the lead to put the Scorchers 2-0 ahead.
Nigeria responded in stoppage time when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the 91st minute, raising hopes of a dramatic comeback.
However, Temwa Chawinga struck again moments later to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion at 3-1. Uchenna Kanu grabbed a late goal for Nigeria, but the Super Falcons were unable to find an equaliser before the final whistle.
The victory marked Malawi’s first-ever win at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the first time a defending champion has lost to a debutant in the competition.
The result puts the Scorchers in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage, while Nigeria must quickly recover ahead of their crucial Group fixture against Zambia on Saturday.
Zambia opened their campaign with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Egypt, setting up a high-stakes encounter with the 10-time African champions, who will be seeking their first points of the tournament.