Malawi stun Nigeria in first-ever WAFCON match
Debutants Malawi earned a stunning 3-2 win over defending champions Nigeria in a 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) encounter in Morocco on Tuesday.
Justine Madugu opted for a strong lineup against the newbies with Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal, while Tosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, Shukurat Oladipo and Halimatu Ayinde played in defence.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini and Michelle Alozie were tasked with providing the ammunition for the attackers in the middle of the park.
Chiwendu Ihezuo led the line and she was supported by the duo of Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi in attack.
The Malawians made life difficult for the Super Falcons in the first half as it ended goalless.
The game burst into life in the second half as the debutants took advantage of poor goalkeeping from Chiamaka Nnadozie to take the lead through Temwa Chawinga in the 69th minute.
Tabitha Chawinga made it 2-0 for Malawi after racing to a long pass to finish pass Nnadozie five minutes later.
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Ajibade reduced the deficit for Nigeria from the penalty spot after a Malawian defender handled Uchenna Kanu’s goal bound header.
Temwa Chawinga made it 3-1 after Nnadozie rushed out of the box in the 95th minute.
Uchenna Kanu scored the second goal to make it 3-2 but the Malawians held on to earn an historic victory.
Malawi became the first-ever WAFCON debutant to defeat Nigeria, ending the Super Falcons’ remarkable unbeaten record against first-time participants.
Before the encounter, Nigeria had won 16 and drawn one of their previous 17 matches against WAFCON debutants, with Tunisia (2008) the only side to avoid defeat.
In the other Group C clash, Barbra Banda scored four goals to lead Zambia to a 6-0 win over Egypt.
The Super Falcons will return to action against Zambia on Saturday.
