WAFCON 2026: Malawi Shock Defending Champions Nigeria In Five-Goal Thriller
Defending champions Nigeria suffered a disappointing start to their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign after falling to a dramatic 3-2 defeat against tournament debutants Malawi in their Group C opener on Tuesday.
The result marks one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history, with Malawi's star sisters, Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, inspiring their side to a famous victory.
Temwa netted twice, while Tabitha added another, as the Southern Africans stunned the nine-time African champions.
Nigeria's goals came from captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who converted a late penalty, and substitute Uchenna Kanu, whose stoppage-time strike reduced the deficit but was not enough to prevent defeat.
The Super Falcons dominated large spells of the opening half, creating several opportunities through Esther Okoronkwo and Ajibade, but were repeatedly denied by an inspired Malawian goalkeeper.
Malawi broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Temwa Chawinga beat the offside trap, rounded goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and calmly slotted into an empty net.
With the Falcons pushing for an equaliser, Tabitha Chawinga doubled Malawi's advantage in the 80th minute, racing onto a long pass before finishing confidently beneath Nnadozie.
Nigeria pulled one back in added time after Malawi handled the ball inside the penalty area, allowing Ajibade to score from the spot in the 92nd minute.
However, Malawi quickly restored their two-goal cushion as Temwa Chawinga capitalised on another defensive lapse, lifting the ball over the advancing Nnadozie to make it 3-1.
Kanu scored deep into stoppage time to set up a nervy finish, but Malawi held on to secure all three points and a memorable victory on their WAFCON debut.
Earlier in the day, Zambia thrashed Egypt 6-0, with Barbara Banda grabbing four goals to move top of Group C.
The defeat leaves Nigeria under pressure ahead of their second group match against Zambia on Saturday, where only a positive result will keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage firmly alive.
Meanwhile, Malawi will book a place in the quarter-finals with victory over Egypt.
The result marks one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history, with Malawi's star sisters, Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, inspiring their side to a famous victory.
Temwa netted twice, while Tabitha added another, as the Southern Africans stunned the nine-time African champions.
Nigeria's goals came from captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who converted a late penalty, and substitute Uchenna Kanu, whose stoppage-time strike reduced the deficit but was not enough to prevent defeat.
The Super Falcons dominated large spells of the opening half, creating several opportunities through Esther Okoronkwo and Ajibade, but were repeatedly denied by an inspired Malawian goalkeeper.
Malawi broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Temwa Chawinga beat the offside trap, rounded goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and calmly slotted into an empty net.
With the Falcons pushing for an equaliser, Tabitha Chawinga doubled Malawi's advantage in the 80th minute, racing onto a long pass before finishing confidently beneath Nnadozie.
Nigeria pulled one back in added time after Malawi handled the ball inside the penalty area, allowing Ajibade to score from the spot in the 92nd minute.
However, Malawi quickly restored their two-goal cushion as Temwa Chawinga capitalised on another defensive lapse, lifting the ball over the advancing Nnadozie to make it 3-1.
Kanu scored deep into stoppage time to set up a nervy finish, but Malawi held on to secure all three points and a memorable victory on their WAFCON debut.
Earlier in the day, Zambia thrashed Egypt 6-0, with Barbara Banda grabbing four goals to move top of Group C.
The defeat leaves Nigeria under pressure ahead of their second group match against Zambia on Saturday, where only a positive result will keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage firmly alive.
Meanwhile, Malawi will book a place in the quarter-finals with victory over Egypt.
