Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala has appealed to Nigerians to keep supporting the team despite their disappointing start to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, insisting there is still enough time to turn things around.
Nigeria suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening Group C match on Tuesday in Rabat, with sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga leading the Scorchers to a famous victory.
Oshoala started the game on the bench and came on in the 83rd minute in place of Esther Okoronkwo, but could not prevent the defending champions from losing their opening fixture.
Speaking after the match, the experienced forward said the Falcons remain focused on bouncing back in their remaining group games.
> “It’s still a long competition, so there is still a lot of time to prepare for the next game,” she said.
The six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year also urged Nigerians not to give up on the team, stressing that their support would be crucial as the competition progresses.
> “We need their support right now. A World Cup ticket is at stake, and this is the time we need everyone to support the team. We know the Super Eagles didn’t qualify, so we know what’s at stake and we know how Nigerians feel about this,” Oshoala added.
She admitted that the dominance Nigeria once enjoyed in African women’s football is being challenged, with smaller nations making significant progress.
According to her, Malawi’s victory should serve as a wake-up call for the Super Falcons to raise their performance.
> “Smaller nations are closing the gap for sure, but it’s also a wake-up call for us to put in more effort, knowing that there are other teams who want to win this trophy as well,” she said.
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The Super Falcons are currently third in Group C without a point and must respond quickly when they face group leaders Zambia on Saturday before taking on Egypt in their final group match.
Nigeria will need positive results in both fixtures to secure a place in the quarter-finals and keep alive their hopes of winning an 11th WAFCON title, as well as qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
