AFCON 2025
Defending champions Nigeria suffered one of the biggest shocks in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history on Tuesday as tournament debutants Malawi stunned the Super Falcons 3-2 in their Group C opener in Rabat.
The stunning defeat leaves Nigeria facing an early tournament crisis, with Saturday’s clash against Zambia now a must-win encounter if the nine-time African champions are to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga inspired Malawi’s famous victory, with Temwa scoring twice and Tabitha adding another as the debutants announced themselves on the continental stage in remarkable fashion.
Nigeria had entered the tournament among the favourites for the title but were punished by a disciplined and clinical Malawi side that refused to be intimidated by their illustrious opponents.
The Super Falcons created the better opportunities in the opening half, with Esther Okoronkwo and captain Rasheedat Ajibade both denied by the impressive Malawi goalkeeper.
At the other end, Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action to prevent Malawi from taking a surprise lead before the break.
Nigeria continued to press after halftime and Ajibade went close shortly after the restart, but it was Malawi who struck first in the 69th minute. Temwa Chawinga beat the offside trap, rounded Nnadozie and calmly slotted into an empty net to send the Malawian bench into wild celebrations.
The Falcons pushed forward in search of an equaliser but were caught again with 10 minutes remaining. Tabitha Chawinga raced onto a long pass before finishing past Nnadozie to double Malawi’s advantage.
Ajibade briefly gave Nigeria hope in stoppage time, converting from the penalty spot after Uchenna Kanu’s goal-bound header was handled inside the area.
But Malawi immediately restored their two-goal cushion as Temwa Chawinga capitalised on Nnadozie’s advanced position to lob the Nigerian goalkeeper and make it 3-1.
Kanu pulled another goal back deep into added time, but it proved too little, too late as Malawi held on for a historic victory.
The result puts Malawi in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage, with a win against Egypt set to secure progression.
For Nigeria, however, the pressure is already mounting. Following Zambia’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Egypt earlier on Tuesday, the Super Falcons can ill afford another slip-up when they face the Copper Queens on August 1.
