WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons warned before Egypt showdown

Former Super Falcons winger Stella Mbachu has urged Nigeria to stop dwelling on the circumstances surrounding the team's difficult preparations for the 2026 WAFCON, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Falcons began their title defence with a surprise defeat to tournament debutants Malawi before bouncing back with a spirited 1-0 victory over Zambia despite playing for more than half of the match with 10 players.

The contrasting results have raised concerns over Nigeria's pre-tournament preparations, with many supporters criticising the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for failing to organise enough quality friendly matches before the tournament.

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No excuses for Nigeria

However, Mbachu believes the conversation must now move beyond excuses. Speaking in an interview with Brila, the former Nigeria international admitted that poor preparation played a role in the team's inconsistent start but insisted it should not become the defining narrative of the Super Falcons' campaign.

“Anyway, it's a factor that contributed for not doing very well, but let us not just rely on that or base on that because of the preparation,” the 48-year-old said.

“I believe they have been playing for their clubs. Only that the NFF lacked the ability to give them some friendly matches.”

While acknowledging the federation's shortcomings, Mbachu argued that the players arrived in Morocco with enough minutes from their respective clubs and should now concentrate on delivering results on the pitch.

Super Falcons: Mbachu calls for unity

Rather than apportioning blame, the former winger wants both the NFF and the players to learn from the experience and ensure similar mistakes are avoided before future major tournaments.

The former Rivers Angels striker believes everyone involved has a responsibility to improve, but stressed that constant criticism at this stage of the competition serves little purpose.

“I hope everybody has learned, both the NFF and the players themselves.”

Nigeria revived their WAFCON campaign with victory over Zambia, keeping alive their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds despite the disappointing opening defeat against Malawi.

For Mbachu, that result should mark the point where attention shifts completely towards supporting the team.

All Out Tonight 🦅#TheQueens #WAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/gz4dyhW5Sa

— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) August 5, 2026

Encourage the girls

The former Super Falcons star urged Nigerians to rally behind the players rather than revisiting the circumstances that preceded the tournament.

According to Mbachu, encouragement will have a far greater impact on the team's chances of success than continued debates over preparation.

“What do we need now? Just encourage them. Just encourage the girls to go ahead and win the trophy.

“If you start counting all those factors now, we won't achieve anything.”

Nigeria remain firmly in contention to qualify for the knockout stages, with their destiny still in their own hands, only if they defeat Egypt tonight. Anything other than that, they might kiss their chances of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup goodbye.

History remembers champions

Mbachu also hopes the Nigeria Football Federation has recognised the importance of giving the women's national team better preparation ahead of future international competitions, but while lessons can be learned later, she believes the immediate priority remains winning matches in Morocco.

For the former striker, football rarely remembers the obstacles teams overcome. Instead, it remembers those who lift trophies. As such, no excuses will be tendered if they fail to achieve their aim.

With the Super Falcons still chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, Mbachu's message to the team is simply to look forward and work on sealing a place in the quarter-final later today.