Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has urged Nigerians to stand behind the national women’s team as they attempt to recover from their unexpected defeat by Malawi at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria, the defending champions, suffered a 3-2 loss to tournament newcomers Malawi in their opening Group C fixture, putting immediate pressure on the Super Falcons’ hopes of progressing in the competition.
Oshoala said the defeat should serve as a warning to the team but called for continued support from supporters as Nigeria prepare for two crucial matches against Zambia and Egypt.
“This is a wake-up call for the team. The Super Eagles didn’t qualify for the World Cup, so we know what’s at stake. What we need right now is the support of all Nigerians.”
The result against Malawi leaves Nigeria needing victories in their remaining group matches if they are to keep their knockout-stage campaign alive and remain in contention for qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Malawi produced a major upset in their first appearance at the tournament, with Temwa Chawinga scoring twice and her sister Tabitha Chawinga also getting on the scoresheet.
The Scorchers held on to secure a memorable win against a Nigerian side that had entered the competition as defending African champions.
Nigeria’s task has been made more difficult by the result of the other Group C match, in which Zambia defeated Egypt 5-0.
Zambia’s victory was driven by an outstanding individual performance from forward Barbra Banda, who scored four times to give her side a commanding start to the tournament.
The contrasting results mean the Super Falcons face a significant challenge in their remaining fixtures. Their matches against Zambia and Egypt are now particularly important as they seek to revive their campaign.
For Oshoala, the importance of Nigeria’s efforts extends beyond the immediate battle for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The striker pointed to the absence of the men’s national team from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as an additional reason for Nigerians to support the women’s side.
The Super Eagles have failed to qualify for two successive editions of the men’s World Cup. They missed out on the 2022 tournament and again failed to secure a place at the 2026 competition.
The Super Falcons, meanwhile, have established a remarkable record at the women’s World Cup.
Nigeria have appeared at every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the first tournament was held in China in 1991.
Their strongest showing came at the 1999 edition in the United States, when they reached the quarter-finals.
That history makes their current World Cup qualification campaign particularly significant, with the team seeking to maintain its record of appearing at every edition of the global women’s tournament.
However, their route towards the next World Cup has become more difficult after the defeat by Malawi.
The Super Falcons will need to respond quickly when they return to action, with Zambia presenting a formidable challenge after their emphatic opening victory over Egypt.
Nigeria’s players and coaching staff will therefore have little room for error in their remaining group matches.
Oshoala’s message comes at a time when the defending African champions need both results and renewed confidence. The loss to Malawi has provided a stark reminder that Nigeria cannot take anything for granted in a tournament featuring strong opposition.
With their World Cup qualification hopes now under pressure, the Super Falcons will look to use their remaining fixtures to recover their position in Group C.
For Oshoala, the immediate priority is clear: Nigeria need to respond on the pitch, while supporters remain behind the team.
The Super Falcons’ next matches will determine whether they can turn a damaging opening defeat into a recovery and continue their long-standing presence on the world’s biggest stage in women’s football.
