Amstel Malta has called on Nigerians to continue backing the Super Falcons after the defending champions opened the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-2 loss to Malawi in Morocco. The defeat has made Nigeria’s path to the knockout rounds more difficult.
Quick facts
- Nigeria lost 3-2 to Malawi in their opening Group C match.
- The next fixture is against Zambia at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on 1 August.
- The Super Falcons are pursuing a record-extending 11th continental title.
The sponsor of Nigeria’s senior women’s team said the reaction to the setback could shape the rest of the campaign. The Falcons face Zambia in a crucial Group C meeting at Rabat’s Al Madina Stadium on 1 August.
Francis Obiajulu, Amstel Malta’s senior brand manager, said the Malawi result had not weakened the company’s faith in the team. He urged the players and supporters to remain united, stressing that champions are defined by their recovery from defeat rather than by avoiding losses altogether.
Obiajulu also reminded Nigerians that tournaments are not decided after a single opening game. He called for continued support as the Falcons attempt to recover from the disappointing start.
He highlighted several examples of Nigeria and other champions overcoming early setbacks. At the 2002 African Women’s Championship, Nigeria lost to Ghana in the group stage before defeating the same opponents 2-0 in the final to defend the title.
Obiajulu further cited the Super Eagles’ run to the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations final after they suffered a 5-1 defeat by hosts Algeria in their first match. Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph, despite an opening loss to Switzerland, and Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory after falling to Saudi Arabia were also offered as examples.
He said Amstel Malta’s backing had remained firm since the start of the tournament and that one result would not alter that commitment. Obiajulu added that the Falcons possessed the quality to recover and said he expected them to respond positively against Zambia.
Nigeria now need a positive result in that match to strengthen their pursuit of an 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, which would extend their continental record.
