File: Executive Committee member of the Nigeria Football Federation and FIFA Media Committee member, Aisha Falode
Executive Committee member of the Nigeria Football Federation and FIFA Media Committee member Aisha Falode has expressed confidence that the Super Falcons will recover from their shock defeat to Malawi and remain on course to win a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.
The defending champions suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening Group C fixture in Rabat on Tuesday, a result that handed the Southern Africans one of the biggest victories in their history and put Nigeria under early pressure in the tournament.
Despite the setback, Falode insisted the loss would not define a team that has built its reputation on resilience and consistency over several decades.
“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 said.
“The result against Malawi was undoubtedly disappointing. It was not the outcome the team worked tirelessly for, nor the result millions of Nigerians had hoped to celebrate. But I can say with confidence that no one feels that disappointment more deeply than the players and the technical crew themselves. They understand the weight of the green and white jersey, and they carry the hopes of an entire nation with immense pride and responsibility.”
She urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the 10-time African champions, stressing that one defeat should not overshadow the team’s quality or ambition.
“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 illustrious 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 opportunity to demonstrate 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 concluded by expressing confidence that the reigning African champions have what it takes to add another memorable chapter to their illustrious 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 remain the most successful side in WAFCON history, having won a record 10 continental titles. The Falcons dominated the competition from its inception, lifting the first five editions between 1998 and 2006 before Equatorial Guinea interrupted their reign in 2008. Nigeria reclaimed the trophy in 2010 but again surrendered it to Equatorial Guinea in 2012.
The West Africans responded by winning three consecutive titles in 2014, 2016 and 2018 before South Africa emerged champions in 2022. The Falcons reclaimed their continental crown at the 2024 WAFCON, staged in 2025, coming from behind to defeat hosts Morocco in the final and secure their record-extending 10th African title.
With the defeat to Malawi leaving little room for further slip-ups, the Super Falcons will now look to revive their campaign in their remaining Group C fixtures as they chase another continental triumph and qualification for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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