Asisat Oshoala apologised to Nigerians after the Super Falcons opened the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi, calling the result a “wake-up call” while insisting the team still has time to recover its campaign.
The loss was described in the source text as arguably the biggest upset in WAFCON history and marked only the third time Nigeria had lost its opening match at the tournament. The Falcons previously lost opening games in 2002 and 2018 but went on to win the title on both occasions, beating the same opponents in the final.
Oshoala said the result highlighted how quickly the women’s game is developing across Africa. “Smaller nations are closing the gap for sure, but it’s also a wake-up call for us to put in effort knowing that there are other people who actually want to win this trophy,” the six-time CAF Player of the Year said. She appealed for public backing, noting that the World Cup ticket is at stake and adding, “We are sorry we lost this one, but the next game we will put in more effort and try to win the game.” The squad also noted the Super Eagles did not qualify, underscoring what is at stake for Nigerians.
The Super Falcons now head into their next Group C match against Zambia knowing a win is required to get the campaign back on track and to avoid both a group-stage exit and losing their chance to qualify for the World Cup. Forward Esther Okoronkwo admitted the team paid for a slow start, said she would take responsibility and expected the side to respond on Saturday: “Next game we’re going to come back. We learned, we’re gonna go back and learn our lesson.”
Head coach Justin Madugu echoed Oshoala, calling the defeat “a wake-up call,” saying the team made mistakes that were punished and that they would work to correct them. Madugu also praised Malawi’s performance as a testament to the development of the game across the continent. The report noted goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has taken criticism after a display described as well below her usual high standard.
