Malawi Stun Nigeria 3-2 in Historic WAFCON Upset
Debutants Malawi produced one of the greatest shocks in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history on Tuesday night, defeating 10-time champions and defending title holders Nigeria 3-2 in their Group C opener at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
The Scorchers, appearing in the continental finals for the first time, capitalised on clinical finishing from the Chawinga sisters and Nigerian defensive lapses to claim a famous victory that ends Nigeria’s long unbeaten record against tournament newcomers.
A tense, goalless first half saw Nigeria control possession and create the majority of the early chances, but the Super Falcons lacked a clinical edge in front of goal. Malawi stayed compact and organised, growing in confidence as the half progressed.
The match exploded after the break. In the 73rd minute, Temwa Chawinga opened the scoring, finishing a move assisted by Ireen Khumalo after Nigeria’s defence was caught out. Six minutes later, her sister Tabitha Chawinga doubled the lead, converting a pass from Sabina Thom to make it 2-0.
Nigeria pushed forward desperately in the closing stages. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the second minute of stoppage time (90+2’) to reduce the deficit to 2-1. But Temwa Chawinga struck again in the fifth minute of added time (90+5’), finishing a counter-attack assisted by Bernadette Mkandawire to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion at 3-1. Substitute Uchenna Kanu pulled one back in the ninth minute of stoppage time (90+9’), but it proved too late as the referee blew the final whistle shortly afterward.
The result is historic on multiple levels. Nigeria had never previously lost to a debutant side in WAFCON history, entering the match with a record of 16 wins and one draw against first-time participants. Malawi’s victory ranks among the biggest upsets in the competition’s history since it began in 1998.
Statistics reflected a closely contested battle. Both teams registered 13 shots, though Malawi created more clear-cut chances. Nigeria held a slight edge in possession.
Earlier on the same matchday, Zambia thrashed Egypt 6-0, leaving Group C tightly poised. Zambia and Malawi both sit on three points, while Nigeria and Egypt have zero. The Super Falcons face Zambia next on Saturday, 1 August, in a critical fixture that will heavily influence their path to the knockout stages and potential qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The 2026 WAFCON serves as the African qualifying tournament for that global event.
Nigeria must recover quickly from a second-half collapse if they hope to mount a serious title defence. For Malawi, the result provides a massive boost of confidence and a statement that the expanded 16-team tournament can produce surprises.
