Malawi produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) by defeating Nigeria 3–2 in a thrilling Group B encounter yesterday.
Inspired by the brilliant Chawinga sisters, Malawi secured a famous victory over one of Africa’s most successful women’s football nations, while Nigeria’s late comeback proved too little, too late.
A Cagey First Half
The opening 45 minutes saw both teams battle for control, with Nigeria enjoying more possession while Malawi remained organised defensively.
Despite several promising attacks, neither side was able to find the breakthrough before halftime, sending the teams into the break locked at 0–0.
Temwa Chawinga Breaks the Deadlock
Malawi came out with renewed purpose in the second half and finally broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute.
Star forward Temwa Chawinga showed her clinical finishing ability, putting the Scorchers ahead and silencing the Nigerian supporters.
Tabitha Doubles Malawi’s Lead
Just six minutes later, Malawi struck again.
Tabitha Chawinga found the back of the net in the 79th minute, giving Malawi a stunning 2–0 advantage and putting Nigeria under immense pressure.
Late Drama
Nigeria refused to give up and pulled one back in stoppage time when captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted a penalty in the 90+2nd minute, raising hopes of an unlikely comeback.
However, Malawi responded almost immediately.
Just three minutes later, Temwa Chawinga struck again, completing her brace in the 90+5th minute to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion.
Nigeria continued to fight until the final whistle, and substitute Uchenna Kanu scored in the 90+9th minute, but there was no time left for an equaliser as Malawi held on for a famous victory.
Goalscorers
- 73′ – Temwa Chawinga (Malawi)
- 79′ – Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi)
- 90+2′ – Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria, Penalty)
- 90+5′ – Temwa Chawinga (Malawi)
- 90+9′ – Uchenna Kanu (Nigeria)
Chawinga Sisters Shine
The match belonged to the Chawinga sisters.
Temwa Chawinga delivered a world-class performance with two goals, while Tabitha Chawinga added another as the pair tormented Nigeria’s defence throughout the second half. Their pace, movement, and composure in front of goal proved decisive.
What the Result Means
The victory gives Malawi three valuable points and marks one of the greatest wins in the history of the country’s women’s national team. It also strengthens their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage in their debut WAFCON campaign.
For Nigeria, the defeat is a major setback. The Super Falcons will need a strong response in their remaining group matches to keep their ambitions of another WAFCON title on track.
Final Thoughts
Malawi’s 3–2 victory over Nigeria will be remembered as one of the standout matches of WAFCON 2026. Inspired by the outstanding performances of Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, the Scorchers showed courage, resilience, and clinical finishing to overcome one of Africa’s football giants.
Although Nigeria mounted a spirited fightback in stoppage time, Malawi held their nerve to record a historic win that has captured the attention of football fans across the continent.
