Nigeria’s dream of beginning its Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a victory suffered an unexpected setback on Tuesday evening as debutants Malawi pulled off one of the biggest shocks in the history of the competition with a thrilling 3–2 win over the Super Falcons in Rabat.
Few expected the Scorchers to trouble Africa’s most successful women’s national team, but inspired by sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, Malawi produced a fearless display that left the defending champions stunned and placed Group C wide open.
The victory marked Malawi’s first ever win at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and instantly became one of the country’s greatest achievements in international football.
Nigeria entered the match as overwhelming favourites, having won a record 10 continental titles and boasting one of the strongest squads in Africa. Coach Justin Madugu named an experienced side featuring captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin and Esther Okoronkwo.
From the opening whistle, the Super Falcons dominated possession and looked determined to impose themselves on the contest. Their movement in midfield allowed them to control the tempo, while Ajibade and Okoronkwo constantly searched for openings in the Malawi defence.
Despite enjoying more of the ball, Nigeria struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Malawi defended with discipline, keeping their shape and frustrating every attempt by the Falcons to break through.
Whenever they regained possession, the Scorchers attacked with pace, using the speed and intelligence of the Chawinga sisters to trouble Nigeria’s backline.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 73rd minute.
Temwa Chawinga latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball before racing clear of the Nigerian defenders. Showing remarkable composure, she calmly slotted the ball beyond goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to give Malawi a famous 1–0 lead.
The goal stunned the defending champions, who suddenly found themselves chasing the game.
Nigeria attempted an immediate response, pushing more players forward in search of an equaliser, but those attacking intentions left spaces at the back.
Malawi capitalised brilliantly.
Just six minutes later in the 79th minute, Tabitha Chawinga doubled the advantage. The experienced forward collected a pass inside the penalty area before finishing confidently to make it 2–0, sending the Malawi bench into wild celebrations.
With time running out, Nigeria increased the pressure and eventually found a way back into the contest.
Deep into stoppage time, the Super Falcons were awarded a penalty after one of their attackers was brought down inside the box.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted from the spot in the 90+2 minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to reduce the deficit to 2–1 and revive hopes of an unlikely comeback.
However, those hopes lasted only a few moments.
Malawi responded almost immediately through the outstanding Temwa Chawinga.
In the 90+5 minute, the striker punished Nigeria once again with a superb finish to restore her team’s two goal cushion. Her second goal of the evening effectively sealed the historic victory and completed an unforgettable individual performance.
Nigeria refused to surrender.
Substitute Uchenna Kanu scored in the 90+8 minute, finishing from close range after sustained pressure inside the Malawi penalty area to make it 3–2.
The late goal set up a tense finish as the Super Falcons desperately searched for an equaliser, but Malawi defended heroically through the remaining seconds before the referee brought the contest to an end.
The final whistle sparked emotional celebrations among the Malawi players, who had just secured the biggest victory in the nation’s women’s football history.
Temwa Chawinga was unquestionably the standout performer, scoring twice and constantly stretching Nigeria’s defence with her pace and movement. Her sister, Tabitha, complemented her perfectly, combining experience with clinical finishing to complete a memorable family performance.
For Nigeria, the defeat exposed several weaknesses that must be addressed before the next group fixture.
Despite enjoying the majority of possession, the Super Falcons lacked creativity in the final third and were repeatedly punished whenever Malawi launched quick counterattacks. Defensive lapses also proved costly, allowing the Chawinga sisters too much space during decisive moments of the match.
Coach Justin Madugu admitted before the tournament that African women’s football has become increasingly competitive, and Tuesday’s result underlined that reality.
No longer can traditional powerhouses rely solely on reputation. Nations such as Malawi, Zambia, Morocco and South Africa have invested significantly in women’s football, narrowing the gap with the continent’s established giants.
The defeat leaves Nigeria under immediate pressure heading into their remaining Group C matches against Zambia and Egypt.
With only the top teams progressing to the knockout stage, the Super Falcons can no longer afford another slip if they hope to retain their continental crown.
For Malawi, meanwhile, confidence has never been higher.
The Scorchers not only defeated the most successful team in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history but also announced themselves as genuine contenders capable of challenging any opponent in the tournament.
If the Chawinga sisters continue producing performances of this quality, Malawi could become one of the surprise packages of the 2026 championship, while Nigeria must quickly regroup to keep alive their dream of winning an unprecedented 11th African title.
