Nigeria’s quest to reclaim the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title suffered a major setback after the Super Falcons were stunned 3-2 by tournament debutants Malawi in their Group C opener at Stade El-Barid in Rabat.
Few expected the nine-time African champions to be troubled by WAFCON newcomers, but the Chawinga sisters delivered a historic performance to hand Malawi one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history.
Head coach Justine Madugu named an attacking front three of Esther Okoronkwo, Florence Ijamilusi and Chiwendu Ihezuo, but Nigeria struggled to find any rhythm throughout the opening half.
Sloppy passing, poor communication and a lack of creativity meant the Super Falcons failed to register a single shot on target before the break.
Malawi, meanwhile, looked dangerous whenever they broke forward. Tabitha Chawinga was denied by Chiamaka Nnadozie in the first half after being picked out by sister Temwa, while another effort early in the second period was ruled out for offside.
Madugu responded with a double substitution in the 56th minute, introducing Toni Payne and Uchenna Kanu in a bid to inject life into Nigeria’s attack. The changes brought some urgency, with Michelle Alozie and captain Rasheedat Ajibade both going close, but Malawi remained disciplined at the back.
The breakthrough arrived in the 73rd minute when Ireen Khumalo’s long pass split Nigeria’s defence, allowing Temwa Chawinga to round Nnadozie and score Malawi’s first-ever WAFCON goal.
Just six minutes later, Malawi doubled their advantage. Another long ball exposed Nigeria’s defensive frailties, and captain Tabitha Chawinga calmly finished past Nnadozie to make it 2-0.
Nigeria pulled one back in the 89th minute after Rose Alufandika handled the ball inside the penalty area. Ajibade converted confidently from the spot to give the Super Falcons hope of a late comeback.
However, Temwa Chawinga struck again deep into stoppage time with another clinical finish after Nigeria failed to deal with a direct ball over the top, restoring Malawi’s two-goal cushion.
Uchenna Kanu grabbed a late consolation for Nigeria moments later, but it was not enough to prevent a disappointing defeat for the record African champions.
The Super Falcons must now quickly regroup ahead of a crucial Group C clash against Zambia, whose dangerous attacking duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji will pose another stern test.
Nigeria will be hoping to rediscover the form that saw them thrash the Copper Queens in the previous WAFCON quarter-finals as they bid to keep their title ambitions alive.