Malawi Stun Super Falcons 3-2 in Major WAFCON 2026 Opening Group Shock

Nigeria’s Super Falcons began their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 title defence with a disappointing 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in a dramatic Group C encounter in Rabat, Morocco.

The ten-time African champions were widely expected to start the competition with a victory, but Malawi produced one of the biggest upsets in WAFCON history. After a tightly contested first half, Malawi took control in the second period through the Chawinga sisters. Temwa Chawinga opened the scoring before her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, doubled the lead just minutes later. Malawi later added a third goal to put Nigeria under intense pressure, Despite late stoppage-time goals from Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu, Malawi held firm to secure all three points in their first-ever WAFCON appearance

Following the defeat, Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu described the result as a setback but insisted the team would respond positively in its remaining group matches. The loss leaves Nigeria under pressure ahead of a crucial fixture against Zambia, where the defending champions will be aiming to revive their campaign and keep their hopes of retaining the title alive.

The defeat leaves the 10-time African champions sitting third in Group C without a point. The Super Falcons must now regroup ahead of a crucial must-win encounter against group leaders Zambia to keep their title defense on track.