Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga made history as tournament debutants stunned Nigeria in Rabat.
Nigeria’s hopes of opening their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with victory were dashed after Malawi produced a stunning performance to secure a historic 3-2 win over the Super Falcons in their Group C encounter at Stade El-Barid in Rabat.
The result marked a memorable milestone for Malawi, with sisters Temwa Chawinga and Tabitha Chawinga scoring the country’s first-ever goals at a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations while leading their nation to an unforgettable victory over Africa’s most successful women’s team.
Malawi Hold Their Own in Tight First Half
Despite entering the match as overwhelming favourites, Nigeria struggled to impose themselves during the opening 45 minutes.
Head coach Justine Madugu handed starts to Esther Okoronkwo, Florence Ijamilusi and Chiwendu Ihezuo in attack, but the Super Falcons found it difficult to create clear-cut opportunities.
Misplaced passes, slow transitions and poor communication disrupted Nigeria’s attacking rhythm, while Malawi remained disciplined and dangerous on the counterattack.
The visitors nearly grabbed the opener before halftime when Temwa Chawinga picked out her sister Tabitha, but goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced an important save to keep the scores level.
Chawinga Sisters Turn the Match Around
Malawi thought they had taken the lead early in the second half, but Tabitha Chawinga’s effort was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria responded with improved attacking intent after the introduction of Uchenna Kanu, whose direct running immediately caused problems for the Malawi defence. One of her dangerous runs created an opportunity for Michelle Alozie, but the defender’s effort drifted narrowly wide.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade also came close with a header that was comfortably collected by Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga raced onto a long pass from deep, rounded Nnadozie and calmly finished into an empty net to score Malawi’s historic first WAFCON goal.
Only six minutes later, Malawi struck again. Another long ball caught the Nigerian defence off guard, allowing captain Tabitha Chawinga to beat Nnadozie and double her side’s advantage.
Super Falcons Fight Back Too Late
Nigeria were handed a route back into the contest after Rose Alufandika handled the ball inside the penalty area.
Ajibade stepped up confidently and converted from the spot to reduce the deficit.
However, Malawi restored their two-goal cushion moments later as Temwa Chawinga completed her brace after another swift attack exposed Nigeria’s defence.
The Super Falcons continued to push forward and found another late goal when Uchenna Kanu finished from close range after a long ball created confusion inside the Malawi penalty area.
Despite the late pressure, Nigeria were unable to find an equaliser as Malawi held on to record one of the biggest victories in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Focus Shifts to Zambia
The defeat leaves the Super Falcons needing a positive response when they face Zambia in their next Group C fixture.
Nigeria will come up against another dangerous attacking side led by Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, making the encounter crucial to their hopes of progressing in the tournament and keeping alive their quest for another continental title.