sports

Malawi Ends Super Falcons’ WAFCON Record With Historic Win

Published

2 months ago

July 29, 2026

Malawi ends Super Falcons WAFCON record after a historic 3-2 victory over Nigeria in their debut CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match

Malawi’s women’s national team made history on Tuesday by defeating Nigeria’s Super Falcons 3-2 at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, becoming the first debutant side to beat the 10-time champions at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since the tournament began in 1998.

Also read: Stanley Nwabali Named Among Africa’s Best by Chippa Coach

The victory marked a remarkable achievement for the Scorchers, who were appearing at the continental finals for the first time.

Their fearless performance ended Nigeria’s long-standing dominance against newly participating teams and delivered one of the biggest surprises in WAFCON history.

Before the encounter, Nigeria had never lost to a debutant nation in 17 previous WAFCON matches, recording 16 victories and one draw.

That impressive record came under threat when Malawi produced a determined second-half display that transformed the contest.

The Chawinga sisters were central to Malawi’s historic triumph. Temwa Chawinga scored twice, while captain Tabitha Chawinga added another goal as the Scorchers punished Nigeria’s defensive lapses after a tightly contested opening period.

Nigeria responded late through captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who converted from the penalty spot, and substitute Uchenna Kanu, who scored deep into stoppage time. However, the late rally was not enough to deny Malawi their famous victory.

The result represents a major setback for the Super Falcons, who entered the tournament seeking a record-extending 11th WAFCON title after winning 10 previous editions.

Despite their continental pedigree, Nigeria struggled to contain a Malawi side that played with confidence and belief.

Malawi’s success also underlined the growing competitiveness of women’s football in Africa, with emerging nations increasingly challenging traditional powers.

The Scorchers arrived in Morocco without the historical record of established teams but left the pitch with a statement victory that will be remembered for years.

For Nigeria, the defeat means their title defence begins with immediate pressure, although qualification remains possible with two group matches still to play.

Also read: Stanley Nwabali Named Among Africa’s Best by Chippa Coach

The Super Falcons will now need a strong response in their upcoming fixtures to revive their campaign and maintain hopes of another deep tournament run.

Up Next

Oshoala Apologises After Super Falcons’ WAFCON Defeat

Don't Miss

Stanley Nwabali Named Among Africa’s Best by Chippa Coach

Mariam Balogun

Click to comment

Opinion

Why Are Football Fans Expecting Trophy Haul from Man City’s 114 Breaches?

Published

7 hours ago

September 30, 2026

Mariam Balogun

By Tai Emeka Obasi,

It is exceedingly terrible for clubs operating in a league as supremely elite as the English Premier League, EPL, to fraudulently cheat themselves to massive success.

Also read: NFF Appeals CAF Ruling on Edo Queens’ WAFU-B Victory

Rules are rules, and supposedly responsible club managements should comply with them in administering a game termed the beautiful game.

Manchester City is currently in the eye of the storm for all the wrong reasons.

A whopping 115 breaches were brought against the club, with reports now indicating that an independent commission found City guilty of 114 of them.

The club, however, maintains that the Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements still to be completed and subject to strict confidentiality.

Manchester City chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has appealed to the fans to remain calm and faithful, insisting that the club will continue to defend its position and pursue the available legal process.

According to reports, Manchester City is expected to appeal the verdict. The sanctions have not yet been announced, and the possible consequences could include a heavy fine, points deduction, stripping of titles or even relegation.

From the available reporting, however, there is no basis for football fans to start celebrating the prospect of receiving Manchester City’s trophies.

Even if titles were eventually stripped, the relevant period under investigation is 2009 to 2018.

During that period, Manchester City won three Premier League titles, in 2011/12, 2013/14 and 2017/18, as well as three League Cups, in 2013/14, 2015/16 and 2017/18.

That immediately puts a different complexion on the matter.

For instance, Manchester United finished runners-up to City in the 2011/12 and 2017/18 Premier League seasons, while Liverpool finished second in 2013/14.

But whether those titles would actually be reassigned to the runners-up is another matter entirely.

There is no automatic rule that says a stripped title simply moves to the team that finished second. Any such outcome would depend on the eventual sanction imposed by the relevant authorities.

The same applies to Arsenal and the League Cup. Arsenal were beaten by City in the 2018 final, but that does not mean Arsenal would automatically inherit the trophy if City were sanctioned.

Expert opinion has suggested that the eventual punishment could include a substantial financial penalty and a huge points deduction, potentially severe enough to threaten City with relegation.

But until the sanction is formally determined, nobody can say with certainty what punishment Manchester City will receive.

For Gunners fans, therefore, we should lower our expectations from City’s debacle. Even if Manchester City are eventually found guilty after the appeal process and even if they are relegated, Arsenal will not stroll to this season’s title.

Our last match against Brighton and Hove Albion is a huge warning that our squad is not as complete as it is generally acclaimed to be.