Falode backs Super Falcons after loss

Aisha Falode, a member of the Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee and FIFA Media Committee, believes the Super Falcons will bounce back from their surprising defeat to Malawi. She is confident they can still aim for their 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.

The defending champions faced a shocking 3-2 loss to Malawi in their first Group C match in Rabat on Tuesday. This defeat gave Malawi one of their biggest wins ever and put Nigeria under early pressure in the tournament.

Despite the loss, Falode said this setback won’t define a team known for its strength and consistency over the years.

“The Super Falcons have earned the trust, admiration, and unwavering respect of Nigerians through decades of excellence, resilience, and an enduring commitment to our nation’s colours. They are champions not only because of the trophies they have won, but because of the character, courage, and determination they have consistently displayed every time they step onto the pitch in service of Nigeria,” she stated.

She added that the result against Malawi was disappointing. It was not what the team fought hard for, nor what millions of Nigerians wanted to celebrate. But she said no one feels the disappointment more than the players and coaching staff. They understand the significance of wearing the green and white jersey and carry the hopes of the nation.

Falode urged Nigerians to keep faith with the ten-time African champions, emphasizing that one loss should not overshadow their quality or goals.

“One result does not diminish the quality of this team, the purpose that brought them to Morocco, or the belief of a nation that has stood firmly behind them. They came into this championship focused, committed, and determined to achieve two important objectives: securing Nigeria’s qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and reclaiming the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title for a record-extending eleventh time.

“The journey of every great champion is marked by moments of adversity. What defines champions is not the absence of setbacks but the strength of their response. Throughout their history, the Super Falcons have shown an extraordinary ability to rise after disappointment, respond with courage, and remind the world why they remain the benchmark of women’s football in Africa. I have every confidence that this generation will do the same.

“As we look ahead, our focus must remain on the opportunities before us. This tournament is still alive, our objectives remain within reach, and every match presents another chance to show the true character of this team. I believe they will respond with the passion, discipline, and fighting spirit that have become synonymous with the Super Falcons.”

Falode ended by saying she believes the reigning African champions can add another memorable chapter to their history.

“The Super Falcons have written some of the greatest chapters in African football history. I firmly believe they possess the quality, experience, unity, and character to write another.”

Nigeria is still the most successful team in WAFCON history, with a record of 10 titles. The Falcons dominated the competition from the start, winning the first five editions from 1998 to 2006 before Equatorial Guinea broke their streak in 2008. Nigeria took back the trophy in 2010 but lost it again to Equatorial Guinea in 2012.

The West Africans then won three titles in a row in 2014, 2016, and 2018 before South Africa won in 2022. The Falcons reclaimed their continental title at the 2024 WAFCON, which took place in 2025, coming from behind to beat hosts Morocco in the final and secure their record-extending 10th title.

With the loss to Malawi leaving little room for mistakes, the Super Falcons will now aim to revive their campaign in the remaining Group C matches as they pursue another continental victory and a spot in the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.