World Cup Qualification At Stake As NSC DG Charges Super Falcons To Defeat Zambia

World Cup Qualification At Stake As NSC DG Charges Super Falcons To Defeat Zambia

By Niyi Busari 

Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has called on Super Falcons to produce a strong response in their second Group C match against Zambia at the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, describing the encounter as a must-win fixture, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The defending African champions suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening group match on Tuesday night, a result that has left Justin Madugu's side under pressure heading into Saturday's clash.

Earlier in the day, Zambia announced their arrival in emphatic fashion with a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt, setting up a high-stakes encounter against the Super Falcons in Rabat.

Reacting to Nigeria's opening setback, Olopade urged the Super Falcons to demonstrate why they remain the most successful women's national team on the continent by defeating Zambia and reviving their campaign.

"Sports is life. You win some, you lose some. You, however, do not give up. The work continues," Olopade wrote on social media platforms.

The NSC Director General stressed that another defeat would significantly dent Nigeria's hopes of securing qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup, especially after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He also appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons despite the opening loss, expressing confidence that the team has the quality and experience to bounce back.

"The Super Falcons remain the most decorated national team in African women's football. This is the time for Nigerians to rally behind them as they fight to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive," Olopade said.

In a deliberate move to reward and motivate the Super Falcons retain the title, the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, presented each player with the keys to a new home and a cash reward of $100,000 on Monday to fulfill the promises of winning the 2025 WAFCON in Morocco.

Fixture: Nigeria vs. Zambia

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Kick-off: 9:00 p.m. WAT

Venue: Rabat, Morocco