Malawi Stun Nigeria 3-2 in WAFCON Opener

Tournament debutants Malawi shocked defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C opener on Tuesday.

Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute before captain Tabitha Chawinga doubled Malawi’s lead six minutes later.

Although Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in stoppage time, Temwa Chawinga scored again three minutes later to seal the historic victory.

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Substitute Uchenna Kanu scored a second goal for Nigeria deep into stoppage time, but Malawi held firm until the final whistle to complete one of the biggest upsets in WAFCON history.

Malawi stun Nigeria 3-2 in WAFCON opener (News Central TV) — Malawi stun Nigeria 3-2 in the WAFCON opener. Credit: CAF Online

Head coach Lovemore Fazili and captain Tabitha Chawinga had expressed full confidence ahead of the match, declaring that the team felt ready to challenge Africa’s premier women’s side without an inferiority complex.

Nigeria must now win their remaining group fixtures to keep their title defence alive.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.