The Super Falcons of Nigeria have suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to debutants Malawi in their first women’s Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON 2026 on Tuesday night.

The WAFCON reigning champions began the defence of their 10th crown in disastrous fashion as Malawi, in their first ever WAFCON appearance, took advantage of the disjointed Falcons with two second half goals to produce arguably the biggest shock the tournament would witness.

Temwa Chawinga scored a brace, and elder sister Tabitha Chawinga scored once to seal the Super Falcons’ fate despite Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu’s goals.

The Justin Madugu ladies came into the match without a loss against a WAFCON debutant ever, and dropped point just once against a debutant- a goalless draw with Tunisia in 2008- but a lethargic first half and poor defensive display in the second resulted in a first WAFCON loss to a debutant in 18 matches.

Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie had rescued the team from long through balls behind the defence on multiple occasions in the match, but she mistimed her run to attempt the clearance of Ireen Khumalo’s pass behind the defence, and Temwa Chawinga ran behind to slot into the net for a shock 1-0 lead on 73 minutes that was confirmed after a VAR check.

The 10 times WAFCON champions went on the attack but was unable to get past the Malawian goalkeeper, while Nigeria’s defence crumbled and went two goals behind on 78 minutes.

Another ball from deep was not allowed to reach Tabitha Chawinga thanks to poor communication from the defence and goalkeeper Nnadozie, and the Malawi captain had the easy task of stroking the ball into the net to double their advantage.

Ajibade scored a penalty to half the deficit, but Nigeria conceded the third goal deep in injury time while searching for the equalizer.

A loose ball in midfield fell to the Malawians who launched another cross from deep, and Temwa Chawinga lifted a volley beyond the horribly positioned Nnadozie to seal all three points in their first ever WAFCON match despite Uchenna Kanu reducing the deficit with the last kick of the match.

Malawi are second in Group C with three points, same with table-topping Zambia who have a better goals difference after thrashing Egypt 6-0 earlier in the day.

Nigeria face the Zambians in their next match where defeat will see them crash out of the tournament.