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Debutants Malawi pulled off a shock 3-2 victory over Nigeria’s Super Falcons in their opening Group C fixture at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat.

The result marks a stunning start to the tournament for Malawi, who are appearing at WAFCON for the first time, while Nigeria began their campaign with defeat.

The first half was goalless, with the Super Falcons dominating possession and territory but unable to find a breakthrough. Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action to deny Malawi late in the half, while Nigeria squandered several chances of their own, including a good opportunity from a cross into the box.

Nigeria brought on Toni Payne for Folashade Ijamilusi early in the second half in search of a way through, but it was Malawi who struck first, capitalising on a defensive lapse to go 2-0 up in the 80th minute.

Nigeria responded in stoppage time, pulling a goal back in the 90+2nd minute, but Malawi restored their two-goal cushion moments later to make it 3-1. Uchenna Kanu gave Nigeria a glimmer of hope with a goal deep into added time, but it wasn’t enough — the match finished 3-2 to Malawi.

The 2026 WAFCON doubles as the qualification tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, raising the stakes for Nigeria as they look to bounce back in their remaining group matches.

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Spanish giants Real Madrid said Tuesday they generated a record 1.221 billion euros ($1.39 billion) in revenue in the 2025/2026 season, despite failing to win a trophy.

“Operating revenue, excluding income from player transfers, reached €1.221 billion, 3.1 percent more than in the previous financial year,” said Los Blancos in a statement.

“Real Madrid has therefore exceeded the €1.2 billion mark for the first time, a figure that no other sports organisation in the world has achieved to date, consolidating the club’s position as the revenue leader in the sports industry.”

Madrid said they made 26 million euros ($30m) profit after tax, up by 8 percent on the earnings from 2024/25.

The club’s strong financial showing was boosted by an increase in income from their renovated Santiago Bernabeu stadium, up by 11 percent to 363 million euros ($413m), along with new sponsorships.

Los Blancos appointed Jose Mourinho as coach to replace Alvaro Arbeloa in June following two seasons without a major trophy, and have made several signings already this summer, including Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella.

Madrid have agreed terms with RB Leipzig’s Ivorian winger Yan Diomande according to media reports, while Manchester City midfielder Rodri is also a rumoured target as they continue to remodel their squad.

AFP

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Debutant Malawi defeated Super Falcons of Nigeria 3-2 at ongoing WAFCON 2026.

The Super Falcons took on Malawi in a Group C game at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). It was Nigeria’s first match in the competition.

The 2026 WAFCON will serve as the qualification tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.