Aisha Falode Backs Super Falcons for WAFCON Redemption

Executive Committee Member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aisha Falode, has thrown her full support behind the Super Falcons following their disappointing defeat to Malawi at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), urging Nigerians to continue believing in the team.

In a heartfelt message, Falode described the Super Falcons as “true champions” whose legacy has been built on decades of excellence, resilience, and unwavering commitment to representing Nigeria with pride.

She acknowledged that the loss to Malawi fell short of the expectations of both the team and millions of Nigerians but stressed that no one felt the pain of the result more than the players and technical crew.

“The result against Malawi was undoubtedly disappointing. It was not the outcome the team worked tirelessly for, nor the result millions of Nigerians had hoped to celebrate,” Falode said.

She, however, insisted that a single defeat does not diminish the quality of the nine-time African champions or their ambitions at the tournament.

According to Falode, the Super Falcons travelled to Morocco with two clear objectives: securing qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and reclaiming the WAFCON title for a record-extending 11th crown.

“The journey of every great champion is marked by moments of adversity. What defines true champions is not the absence of setbacks, but the sheer strength of their response,” she stated.

Expressing confidence in the squad’s ability to bounce back, Falode recalled the team’s history of responding positively to difficult moments and maintaining its status as the benchmark of women’s football in Africa.

She also praised the players for understanding the responsibility that comes with representing over 200 million Nigerians, noting that they carry the hopes of the nation alongside the confidence of the Federal Government, the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Football Federation, corporate partners, and millions of supporters.

Looking ahead, Falode urged Nigerians to replace criticism with encouragement as the Super Falcons continue their campaign.

“This is the moment when our encouragement matters most. Let us replace doubt with belief, criticism with constructive support, and disappointment with renewed hope,” she said.

Addressing the players directly, Falode encouraged them to remember the rich legacy they represent and the millions of young girls who see them as role models.

“Continue to play with courage. Continue to believe in one another. Continue to honour the badge with the passion, discipline, and resilience that have always defined Nigerian champions.”

She concluded by expressing confidence that the Super Falcons possess the quality, unity, and experience to write another successful chapter in Nigerian football history.

“Nigeria believes in you, Nigeria stands with you. Keep believing. Keep fighting. Keep soaring,” she said.