Backs to the Wall, Super Falcons Chase Vital Win Against Zambia

After a lackluster loss to Malawi, the Super Falcons have promised to make amends in today’s Group C must-win clash against group leaders Zambia. Debutants Malawi shocked defending champions, Nigeria 3-2 Tuesday night in Rabat to record one of the major upsets in the tournament. Today, the Super Falcons will have their backs to the wall against Zambia, who thrashed Egypt 6-0 in the other Group C match. “We were a little flat against Malawi, next game we have to come out better,” charged Canada-based forward Esther Okoronkwo. “We go back and learn our lessons and then come back better. “Next game will be better for sure.” Top star, Asisat Oshoala said the loss to Malawi was a wake-up call for the 10-time African champions. “This is a wake-up call for us to know that there are other teams who also want to win this trophy,” she said. “It’s still a long competition, so there’s time to put in more effort. “We need everybody’s support because the World Cup ticket is at stake and we know that the Super Eagles did not qualify (for the 2026 World Cup).” Meanwhile, Super Falcons forward, Uchenna Kanu has dismissed concerns over Zambia’s impressive unbeaten group-stage record at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, insisting Nigeria are focused on getting their campaign back on track. The defending champions were stunned 3-2 by WAFCON debutants Malawi in their Group C opener, leaving Justine Madugu’s side under pressure ahead of a decisive clash against the Copper Queens. Nigeria’s defensive frailties were brutally exposed by Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, with sloppy defending and poor communication costing the ten-time African champions three points. The challenge becomes even tougher against a Zambia side brimming with confidence after a ruthless 6-0 demolition of Egypt, inspired by captain Barbra Banda’s four goals and one assist. Despite Zambia remaining unbeaten in the WAFCON group stage since 2018, Kanu insists past records will have no bearing on Saturday’s encounter. Speaking in Morocco ahead of the must-win fixture, the Cruz Azul forward stressed that Nigeria respect every opponent equally and are concentrating solely on delivering the required performance. “I think every team is good and it’s important that we take every game seriously. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing,” Kanu said. “Playing Zambia is another game, another challenge, another opportunity to be ourselves on the field. It doesn’t matter when they lost or didn’t, we’re focusing on getting the points.” The 29-year-old acknowledged the disappointment surrounding Nigeria’s opening defeat but maintained the players are working hard to correct their mistakes before facing the Copper Queens. “About the fans, we all are hurting, but we’re working on the things that didn’t work out in the last game. So we need all the support we can get.” Kanu also revealed the squad have deliberately shut out criticism following the Malawi defeat, insisting the external noise will not derail their preparations. “We always get criticised, mostly negatively, but we always come back and do what we do best. We’re all focusing on the next game and we won’t let the noise affect the team. “We know what is at stake and how Nigerians feel about the loss to Malawi. “The whole point is that we take it one game at a time. We are ready and will make Nigerians proud.” Nigeria head into today’s clash needing a positive result to revive their hopes of progressing from Group C and keeping their title defence alive, while Zambia will aim to build on their emphatic opening victory over Egypt. Interestingly, Executive Committee Member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aisha Falode, has expressed confidence in the Super Falcons’ ability to recover from their disappointing defeat to Malawi. In a statement on Thursday, Falode said the setback should not overshadow the team’s long-standing record of excellence, resilience and commitment to representing Nigeria with pride. She acknowledged that the result against Malawi fell short of expectations but stressed that no one was more disappointed than the players and the technical crew, who understood the responsibility of wearing the country’s colours. “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,” she said. Last year at the delayed 2024 WAFCON, the Super Falcons walloped Zambia 4-0.