Super Falcons Stunned 3-2 by Malawi in WAFCON 2026 Opener

Nigeria's quest for a record-extending 11th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title got off to a disappointing start after the Super Falcons lost 3-2 to Malawi in their opening Group C fixture in Morocco.

The nine-time African champions were widely expected to begin their title defence with a victory against tournament debutants Malawi. Instead, the Southern Africans produced a spirited performance to record one of the biggest surprises in WAFCON history.

Malawi Shock the Champions

Malawi took advantage of defensive lapses to race into the lead and maintained their composure despite late pressure from Nigeria.

The Super Falcons fought back in the closing stages, with Uchenna Kanu scoring deep into stoppage time, but it was not enough to prevent a historic victory for the Malawians, who claimed all three points in their first-ever WAFCON match.

Major Blow to Nigeria's Campaign

The defeat leaves Nigeria under pressure heading into their remaining Group C fixtures.

The Super Falcons must now bounce back quickly if they are to secure qualification for the knockout stage and continue their bid for an unprecedented 11th continental title. WAFCON 2026 also serves as a qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Fans React to Surprise Result

The result sparked widespread reactions among football fans, many describing it as one of the biggest upsets in the history of African women's football.

Despite the setback, supporters have urged the team to remain focused, noting that Nigeria still has an opportunity to recover in the remaining group matches.