Malawi shock Nigeria 3-2 at WAFCON 2026 as Chawinga sisters shine

Malawi delivered one of the most remarkable results in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history by defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in a dramatic Group C encounter in Rabat.

Sisters Temwa Chawinga and Tabitha Chawinga were the stars of the night, combining for all three goals as tournament debutants stunned the competition’s most successful nation.

The result is likely to rank among the greatest shocks since the WAFCON began in 1998. Nigeria entered the tournament as reigning champions and Africa’s highest-ranked side, while Malawi arrived as the lowest-ranked team in the 16-nation field.

Nigeria frustrated in Goalless First Half

Despite the vast gap in pedigree and world ranking, Malawi showed from the opening whistle that they had not come to Morocco simply to make up the numbers.

Nigeria dominated possession for long spells but struggled to create clear chances against a disciplined Malawian defence. Goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo and her back line remained composed, frustrating the Super Falcons throughout a tense first half that ended goalless.

Temwa Chawinga breaks the deadlock

The breakthrough arrived in the 73rd minute. Temwa Chawinga raced onto a through ball, rounded veteran Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and calmly finished from a tight angle to spark wild celebrations among the Malawi players and supporters.

The goal immediately changed the mood inside the stadium and raised the possibility of a famous upset.

Tabitha doubles the lead

Just six minutes later, Malawi struck again. Tabitha Chawinga chased a loose ball into the penalty area, beat Nnadozie in a foot race and slid her finish into the net to put Malawi 2-0 ahead.

For Nigeria, a side chasing an 11th continental title, the second goal was a major blow.

Late drama in Rabat

The match exploded into life during stoppage time. Ugandan referee Shamirah Nabadda added nine minutes, giving Nigeria a lifeline. In the second minute of added time, captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty after a handball decision to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Any hopes of a comeback were quickly crushed. Almost immediately after the restart, Temwa Chawinga surged clear once more and produced a delicate lob over Nnadozie to restore Malawi’s two-goal advantage at 3-1.

Nigeria continued to press, and Uchenna Kanu scored deep into added time after Sikelo could only partially stop her effort, but the final whistle followed almost instantly, confirming a stunning Malawi victory.

What the result means

The victory gives Malawi a sensational start to their first-ever WAFCON campaign and dramatically changes the complexion of Group C.

Earlier in the day, Zambia defeated Egypt 6-0, leaving Zambia top of the group on goal difference ahead of Malawi, with both teams on three points. Nigeria and Egypt remain without a point after the opening round.

Malawi will face Zambia next, while Nigeria must respond against Egypt to keep their quarter-final hopes firmly in their own hands.

A statement for African Women’s Football

Beyond the immediate result, Malawi’s victory highlights the growing competitiveness of women’s football across Africa. The Chawinga sisters, already among the continent’s most respected attacking talents, delivered a performance that will be remembered for years and announced Malawi as a team capable of competing with the traditional heavyweights.

For Nigeria, the defeat is a major warning that reputation alone will count for little at WAFCON 2026.

Match Summary

Malawi 3-2 Nigeria

Goals

• Temwa Chawinga (73’, 94’)
• Tabitha Chawinga (79’)
• Rasheedat Ajibade (Pen, 92’)
• Uchenna Kanu (99’)

SportsLigue