Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered a stunning start to their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence after losing 3-2 to debutants Malawi on Tuesday.
The Group C encounter at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat produced one of the biggest shocks in WAFCON history, as Malawi secured their first victory at the tournament in their maiden appearance.
Nigeria entered the competition hoping to win a record-extending 11th African title after lifting the trophy in 2024.
The defending champions controlled much of the opening period and created several chances, but they could not find a way past Malawi before the halftime whistle.
The game changed dramatically in the closing stages when Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock for Malawi in the 73rd minute.
Her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, doubled Malawi’s advantage six minutes later, leaving the Super Falcons in serious danger of an opening-day defeat.
Late Super Falcons Fightback Falls Short
Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade gave her team hope when she converted a penalty in the 90th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
However, Temwa struck again in the sixth minute of added time to restore Malawi’s two-goal advantage and complete her brace.
Substitute Uchenna Kanu pulled another goal back three minutes later after connecting with a headed pass from the right.
There was no time left for Nigeria to find an equaliser, however, as Malawi held on to seal a famous 3-2 victory.
The result came as a major surprise because Nigeria had won eight of their previous nine matches before the tournament.
Head coach Justin Madugu had also expressed confidence that the Super Falcons would begin their title defence with a victory.
Malawi’s win leaves Nigeria under pressure ahead of their next Group C fixture against Zambia on Saturday.
Zambia moved to the top of the group after recording a dominant 6-0 victory over Egypt in Tuesday’s other match.
Captain Barbra Banda led the Copper Queens’ impressive display as they made an early statement of their title ambitions.
Zambia and Malawi now have three points each, while Nigeria and Egypt are still searching for their first points of the tournament.
The Super Falcons must now avoid another defeat against Zambia to strengthen their chances of reaching the quarter-finals and keeping their 11th WAFCON title dream alive.
