Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has described Nigeria’s shock 3-2 defeat to Malawi as a wake-up call, warning that the gap between Africa’s traditional powerhouses and emerging nations continues to close.
The defending champions suffered one of the biggest upsets in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) history after falling to the tournament debutants in their Group C opener, leaving the 10-time African champions with little margin for error ahead of a crucial clash against Zambia.
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Reacting to the defeat, the six-time CAF African Women’s Player of the Year admitted the result was painful but said it should serve as a reminder that no opponent can be taken for granted in modern African women’s football.
“The defeat to Malawi is a wake-up call for us. The so-called smaller countries are improving every year, and the gap between them and the bigger teams is getting smaller,” Oshoala said.
Despite the setback, the experienced striker insisted the Super Falcons remain determined to turn their campaign around and achieve their objectives at the tournament.
“We are still determined to perform. We’ll continue working hard to get the results we need because our goal remains to qualify for the World Cup and compete for the title,” she added.
Oshoala also appealed to Nigerians to continue standing behind the team during a difficult moment, stressing that the players need the backing of supporters as they prepare for their must-win encounter against Zambia.
“This is the time we need the support of Nigerians the most. We know we disappointed our fans, but we’ll keep fighting to make the country proud,” she said.
Nigeria now heads into Saturday’s showdown against Zambia under pressure, with victory likely to be crucial to the Super Falcons’ hopes of reaching the knockout stage and securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Oshoala believes the disappointing start can still become a turning point in Nigeria’s campaign, provided the team responds with the intensity, discipline and winning mentality that have defined the Super Falcons’ dominance of African women’s football over the years.
