Nigeria’s Nigeria women’s national football team, popularly known as the Super Falcons, suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi women’s national football team in their opening match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The defending champions entered the competition as overwhelming favourites, with many expecting them to begin their title defence with a comfortable victory against the newcomers. However, Malawi produced a spirited performance to claim one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
The first half ended in a goalless draw, as Malawi frustrated the Super Falcons with disciplined defending and organized play, denying Nigeria clear scoring opportunities despite the latter’s dominance in possession.
The match took a dramatic turn in the second half when the famous Chawinga sisters inspired Malawi to victory with a brilliant attacking display.
Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute after capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give Malawi a deserved lead.
Just six minutes later, her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, doubled Malawi’s advantage with a clinical finish, leaving Nigeria’s head coach, Justine Madugu, searching for answers from the touchline.
Nigeria responded late in the game when captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted a penalty in the 90th minute to reduce the deficit and revive hopes of an unlikely comeback.
However, Malawi quickly restored their two-goal cushion in stoppage time after another defensive error by the Super Falcons.
Temwa Chawinga reacted quickest to a loose ball before expertly lifting her effort over Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to make it 3-1.
Nigeria continued to fight until the final whistle, and substitute Uchenna Kanu scored deep into added time to reduce the score to 3-2, but it proved too little, too late as Malawi held on for a memorable victory.
The result marks a dream start to Malawi’s first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign and represents one of the most significant victories in the country’s women’s football history.
For the Super Falcons, the defeat raises early concerns about their title defence and leaves them under pressure heading into their second group match.
Nigeria will next face a formidable Zambia women’s national football team side led by star striker Barbra Banda, who began their tournament in emphatic fashion with a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt women’s national football team.
The upcoming encounter is now considered crucial for Nigeria’s hopes of advancing from the group stage, as the Super Falcons will need a positive result to revive their campaign and keep alive their ambition of winning another continental title.
