Nigeria dominated possession and created the better chances but were left to rue missed opportunities as Malawi pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Despite the Super Falcons controlling much of the contest, Malawi struck against the run of play in the second half. Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock in the 69th minute before her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, doubled the advantage to hand the tournament debutants a shock 2-0 lead over the defending champions.
Nigeria responded through captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who converted a penalty in the 91st minute to ignite hopes of an unlikely comeback. However, Temwa Chawinga struck again deep into stoppage time to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion and complete her brace.
Uchenna Kanu pulled one back in the closing moments, but it proved too little, too late as the Super Falcons fell to a historic defeat.
The result marks the first time Nigeria have lost to a tournament debutant at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). For Malawi’s Scorchers, the victory is one of the biggest in the nation’s football history and significantly boosts their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to a crucial clash against Zambia on Saturday. The Copper Queens opened their campaign in emphatic fashion with a 6-0 demolition of Egypt, setting up one of the standout fixtures of the group stage. The Super Falcons, however, will draw confidence from their most recent meeting with Zambia, having recorded a commanding 5-0 victory over the Copper Queens in the quarter-finals of the 2024 WAFCON.
