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Scorchers Stun Super Falcons in Historic WAFCON Debut Victory

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52 minutes ago

10:14 pm

Scorchers Stun Super Falcons in Historic WAFCON Debut Victory

Debutants Malawi announced their arrival at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in sensational fashion, defeating 10-time champions Nigeria 3-2 in their opening Group B fixture at Al Madina Stadium.

Nigeria head coach fielded a strong starting XI featuring Chiamaka Nnadozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Shukurat Oladipo, Halimat Ayinde, Jennifer Echegini, Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Folashade Ijamilusi.

The Super Falcons dominated possession in a tightly contested first half but were unable to break down Malawi’s disciplined defence, with both sides heading into the interval goalless.

The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute when Temwa Chawinga found the back of the net to hand Malawi a deserved lead after sustained pressure.

The debutants doubled their advantage moments later through Tabitha Chawinga, leaving Nigeria with a mountain to climb.

The Super Falcons were handed a lifeline when captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted a penalty to reduce the deficit and spark hopes of a late comeback.

However, Malawi quickly restored their two-goal cushion as Temwa Chawinga grabbed her second of the match.

Substitute, Uchenna Kanu reduced the deficit for Justine Madugu’s side but it wasn’t enough to prevent a famous 3-2 victory for Malawi and marking a dream start to the tournament for the East African side.

The defeat leaves Nigeria with plenty of work to do in Group B, with crucial fixtures against Egypt and Zambia now set to determine whether the Super Falcons can secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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