Malawi defeats Nigeria 3-2 in WAFCON 2026 upset
In the opening Group C match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, debutants Malawi stunned ten‑time champions Nigeria 3‑2 at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. Temwa Chawinga opened the scoring in the 73rd minute and added a second six minutes later, while her sister Tabitha Chawinga completed the lead with a third goal. Nigeria reduced the deficit when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in stoppage time and substitute Uchenna Kanu pulled a late goal back, but the comeback fell short.
The victory marked Malawi’s first ever win at a WAFCON tournament and ended Nigeria’s unbeaten record against debutant sides. Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili hailed the tactical plan and the unity of his squad, while Nigeria coach Justin Madugu vowed the Super Falcons would recover. Players and the Nigerian community in Morocco expressed disappointment and called for stronger focus ahead of the next group match against Zambia.
Entities: Al Madina Stadium · Justin Madugu · Lovemore Fazili · Malawi women's national team (Scorchers) · Nigeria women's national football team (Super Falcons) · Nigeria women's national team (Super Falcons) · Rasheedat Ajibade · Shehu Dikko · Tabita Chawinga · Tabitha Chawinga · Temwa Chawinga
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 7 SOURCES] Temwa Chawinga scored a hat‑trick for Malawi, including the opening goal. (source)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Tabitha Chawinga scored Malawi’s second goal. (source)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Uchenna Kanu scored a late goal for Nigeria in added time. (source)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nigeria won the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, securing a record‑extending tenth title after a comeback victory over Morocco. (Article 3)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Nigerian Super Falcons received promised reward packages, including house keys and certificates, from National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko in Rabat. (Article 3)
- [● 8 SOURCES] Malawi defeated Nigeria 3-2 in the opening match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. (source)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Rasheedat Ajibade scored a penalty for Nigeria in stoppage time. (source)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The match was played at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. (source)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Coach Justin Madugu pledged the Super Falcons would recover after the defeat. (Madugu said the team would analyse the loss and bounce back for the next match.)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala apologized and said the team will bounce back. (Oshoala expressed regret for the result and pledged focus on upcoming games.)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The defeat ended Nigeria’s record of never losing to a debutant side in WAFCON history. (source)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The victory was Malawi’s first ever win at a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament. (source)