Super Falcons midfielder Halimatu Ayinde has expressed confidence that Nigeria will recover from its disappointing start at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), insisting the team’s destiny remains firmly in its own hands.
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The 10-time African champions were stunned 3-2 by tournament debutants Malawi in their Group C opener, a result that has left the defending champions needing a positive response in their next fixture against Zambia.
Reacting to the defeat, Ayinde admitted the performance fell below the standards expected of the Super Falcons but stressed that the players have already shifted their focus to making amends.
“The game against Malawi is one we have to forget quickly. We know we didn’t perform the way we wanted, but we’re already working hard to come back with a positive response,” Ayinde said.
The experienced midfielder also pointed to the team’s history of overcoming adversity, expressing confidence that the current squad has the mentality to bounce back.
“We’ve been in situations like this before and found a way through. Our destiny is still in our hands, and we believe we can turn things around,” she added.
Nigeria now faces a crucial encounter against Zambia, with victory likely to be essential to revive the Super Falcons’ hopes of reaching the knockout stage and keeping alive their bid for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.
Ayinde stressed that the players remain united despite the setback and are determined to correct the mistakes that proved costly in the opening match.
The Super Falcons will head into the Zambia clash knowing that a strong performance could transform the outlook of their campaign, as they continue their pursuit of continental glory and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
