Amstel Malta, the official malt drink partner of Nigeria's Senior Women's National Team, has remained steadfast in its support for the Super Falcons after the team suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening match of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The brand, in a statement issued on Friday, called on the players and the Nigerian public to rally behind the team ahead of a crucial Group C encounter with Zambia in Rabat on Saturday.
Amid the disappointment of the upset, Amstel Malta chose to focus on the bigger picture, urging the Falcons to tap into the resilience that has made them Africa's most successful women's football side. The brand's message reinforces its recently launched "Be Your Best" campaign, which seeks to galvanise Nigerians in support of the team's ambition to clinch a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.
Be Your Best Campaign in Focus
The "Be Your Best" campaign is described as an inspiring initiative that celebrates resilience, excellence, and the determination to overcome adversity. Through this campaign, Amstel Malta aims to connect the team's journey with the everyday struggles of Nigerians, encouraging everyone to keep pushing despite unexpected setbacks. The brand's support for the Super Falcons is therefore more than just sponsorship; it is a statement of belief in the team's ability to rise again.
Francis Obiajulu, Senior Brand Manager at Amstel Malta, delivered the brand's rallying cry with conviction. He said, "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 stressed that the players' quality and character are intact, and that the campaign's spirit of perseverance is exactly what the moment demands.
He went on to say, "The 'Be Your Best' campaign is about resilience as much as excellence. 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." The message is clear: the opening defeat to Malawi, while painful, does not determine the outcome of the entire tournament.
A Legacy of Comebacks
Obiajulu supported his words with historical examples of teams that triumphed after disastrous starts. He recalled how the Super Falcons lost to Ghana in the group stage of the 2002 African Women's Championship but came back to beat Ghana 2-0 in the final and retain the title. That instance, he noted, demonstrates that early setbacks can serve as fuel for greater achievements.
Even outside women's football, the precedent is strong. The Super Eagles once opened the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations with a heavy 5-1 loss to Algeria, yet they managed to reach the final of the competition. Spain, at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, lost their first match to Switzerland before going on to lift the trophy for the first time in their history. Similarly, Argentina suffered a surprising loss to Saudi Arabia in their 2022 World Cup opener and still won the tournament.
Obiajulu said these examples reinforce the belief that a poor start does not have to end a team's title hopes. He added, "Our support has not changed. 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."
Decisive Clash Ahead
Saturday's match against Zambia is now a must-not-lose game for the Super Falcons. Coach and players will be aware that a win would revive their chances of progressing from Group C and keep their dream of an 11th continental title firmly alive. Amstel Malta's continued backing ensures that the team goes into this encounter with the knowledge that they are not fighting alone.
The supporters, too, have a role to play. The "Be Your Best" campaign invites all Nigerians to stand behind the Super Falcons, either by cheering from the stands in Morocco or by showing support through social media and other channels. As Obiajulu put it, tournaments are not won after the first game; they are won through resilience, unity, and an unyielding belief in one's abilities.
