WAFCON 2026: Nnadozie Urges Nigeria Fans To Keep Hopes Alive After Plucky Win Over Zambia

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie has called on Nigerians to continue supporting the team after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia that breathed new life into their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 campaign.

Nigeria secured a hard-fought victory over the Copper Queens at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Saturday, courtesy of an eighth-minute winner from Asisat Oshoala. The Super Falcons showed resilience to preserve their lead despite being reduced to 10 players after Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off in the 40th minute.

The win earned Nigeria three points from two Group C matches after their opening loss to Malawi, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive ahead of their final group clash with Egypt.

Nnadozie, who kept a clean sheet in a resilient defensive display, was emotional after the final whistle and dedicated the win to the fans.

“We are the Super Falcons, 10-time champions of Africa. We just want Nigerians to keep believing in us, keep praying for us, and continue supporting us. This victory is for our fans,” she said.

The goalkeeper also addressed the criticism that followed Nigeria’s earlier loss, describing it as a reflection of the high expectations and passion of supporters rather than something entirely negative.

“The criticism wasn’t entirely bad because it came from people who care and wanted us to do better. It showed the passion of our fans. Now that we’ve won, I believe they will be happy with the team’s response,” Nnadozie added.

Looking ahead to the last group game against Egypt, Nnadozie acknowledged the challenge remains significant, with the group still wide open depending on other results. She stressed that the focus is firmly on securing another victory and scoring more goals to strengthen their position in the standings.

The Super Falcons will now turn their attention to Egypt as they aim to progress from the group stage and continue their bid to defend their continental title.