Chawinga’s Hat-trick Hands Nigeria Shock WAFCON Defeat
Defending champions Nigeria suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, with Temwa Chawinga producing a sensational hat-trick.
After a goalless first half, the match burst into life in the closing stages. Chawinga broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute to score Malawi’s first-ever WAFCON goal before adding a second to put the newcomers firmly in control.
Rasheedat Ajibade gave Nigeria hope by converting a stoppage-time penalty, but Chawinga completed her hat-trick moments later to restore Malawi’s two-goal advantage.
The feat made her the second player to score a hat-trick or better at this year’s tournament after Zambia’s Barbara Banda netted four against Egypt.
Uchenna Kanu pulled one back deep into added time, but Nigeria ran out of time as Malawi held on to record a famous victory and claim three points in their first-ever WAFCON match.
The result leaves Zambia top of Group C on goal difference after their 6-0 win over Egypt, with Malawi second. Nigeria and Egypt remain without a point heading into the next round of fixtures.
Nigeria will now face Zambia in a crucial encounter, knowing another defeat could seriously damage their hopes of retaining the title.
Malawi, meanwhile, will look to build on their dream start when they take on Egypt, with another victory likely to secure a place in the knockout stage.