Amstel Malta has urged Nigerians to stay behind the Super Falcons after a 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a result that has complicated the defending champions’ route to the knockout stage.
The brand, which sponsors the Senior Women’s National Team, said the team’s response to the setback would define their tournament, ahead of a decisive Group C fixture against Zambia at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on 1 August.
Amstel Malta Senior Brand Manager Francis Obiajulu said the Malawi result did not change the brand’s position. ‘Our message to the Super Falcons is simple: keep believing. Champions are not remembered because they never lost; they are remembered because of how they responded after setbacks,’ Obiajulu said. ‘This is the moment for the players and the fans to stay united. We encourage Nigerians to keep supporting the Super Falcons because tournaments are not won after the first game.’
Obiajulu pointed to the Super Falcons’ own history of recovering from early setbacks, citing their group-stage loss to Ghana at the 2002 African Women’s Championship, after which they beat the same opponents 2-0 in the final to retain the title. He also referenced Nigeria’s Super Eagles reaching the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations final after a 5-1 opening loss to hosts Algeria, along with Spain’s 2010 World Cup win after an opening defeat to Switzerland and Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph following a loss to Saudi Arabia.
‘Our support has not changed,’ Obiajulu said. ‘We started this journey believing in the Super Falcons, and one result will not change that. We know this team has what it takes to rise again, and we look forward to seeing them bounce back against Zambia.’
The Super Falcons need a positive result against Zambia to strengthen their bid for a record-extending 11th continental title.