By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Defending champions Nigeria suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday night.
Captain Temwa Chawinga scored a sensational second-half hat-trick to hand the Super Falcons one of their biggest tournament upsets.
The Super Falcons, overwhelming favourites going into the contest, dominated possession with 55 per cent and created several opportunities but failed to capitalize before Malawi struck ruthlessly after the break.
The first half ended goalless despite both sides creating chances, with midfielder Mercy Nguluwe picking up a yellow card in the 30th minute.
The match exploded into life in the second half as both coaches made tactical adjustments. Nigeria introduced Chinwendu Ihezuo and Folashade Ijamilusi, while Asisat Oshoala and Deborah Abiodun were later thrown into the game in search of a breakthrough.
However, it was Malawi who drew first blood in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga finished calmly after being set up by Ivy Khumalo.
Six minutes later, Chawinga doubled the advantage, latching onto a pass from Sabina Thom before slotting home to silence the Nigerian supporters.
The Super Falcons were handed a lifeline in stoppage time after captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the 92nd minute to reduce the deficit.
Any hopes of a dramatic comeback were quickly dashed as Chawinga completed her brilliant hat-trick three minutes later, finishing another well-worked move after an assist from Bernadette Mkandawire to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion.
Nigeria continued to push forward and found another goal deep into added time when Uchenna Kanu struck in the 90+9th minute, but it proved too late to rescue a point.
Statistics reflected how evenly contested the encounter was. Both teams registered 13 shots each, while Malawi created more clear-cut opportunities with four big chances compared to Nigeria’s two. Although the Super Falcons enjoyed greater possession and recorded more touches inside the opposition penalty area, Malawi proved far more clinical in front of goal.
The result represents a major setback for Nigeria’s quest to successfully defend their WAFCON title and leaves the nine-time African champions under early pressure in the group stage.
For Malawi, the victory ranks among the greatest in the country’s women’s football history, with Chawinga’s outstanding hat-trick inspiring a memorable triumph over Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
