Nigeria forward Uchenna Kanu has called on Nigerians to continue believing in the team ahead of Saturday's crucial Group C clash against Zambia at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), insisting the defending champions remain determined to revive their title defence.

Nigeria suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening fixture, leaving the nine-time African champions under pressure to secure a positive result against the Copper Queens to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Despite Zambia's impressive recent record in the group phase of the competition, Kanu said the Super Falcons are focused solely on delivering a strong performance rather than dwelling on statistics.

"Every team is good, and I think it's important that we take every game seriously. It doesn't matter who we're playing," Kanu told reporters in Morocco.

"Playing Zambia, it's another game, another challenge, another opportunity to be ourselves on the field.

"It doesn't matter when they lost or when they haven't lost. We're focusing on just getting the points and doing what we are set out to do."

The experienced forward acknowledged Zambia's quality but expressed confidence that Nigeria possesses the character and ability to respond positively.

"So right now, we respect them. Zambia is a good team, just like everyone else, and we're looking forward to that day. It's going to be a good game, and I'm excited."

Following the disappointing defeat to Malawi, Kanu appealed to Nigerian fans not to lose faith in the team, assuring supporters that the players have worked hard to address the mistakes from their opening match.

"It's football, you know. Things happen, but don't give up on us. We're still working to fix the things that we didn't do right in the last game. So, we ask for everyone's support moving into the Zambia game."

She also promised that the players would give everything to restore pride and repay the confidence of Nigerians.

"We'll make you proud. We just need all the support that we can get. So keep it up. We love you guys."

Kanu revealed that the Super Falcons have deliberately shut out criticism and distractions circulating on social media, choosing instead to concentrate fully on the task ahead.

"We always get criticized, sometimes negatively, and most of the time we always come back and still show what we know how to do best.

"I don't think anyone on this team is looking at anything on the internet right now. I think we're all focusing on the next game."

According to the forward, the unity within the squad has remained intact despite the setback against Malawi, with every player fully aware of the importance of Saturday's encounter.

"I think we've done a really great job of not letting the noise affect the team, and we're sticking with that. We are all on the same page right now.

"We know what is at stake, and we know how Nigerians feel about our loss."

Kanu concluded by urging Nigerians to rally behind the team as they seek to reignite their WAFCON campaign, stressing that unity will be key as the Super Falcons chase qualification for the knockout stage.

"But again, we need everyone together. We can't be divided. The whole point is that we take it one game at a time, and we're looking forward to it.

"It doesn't matter who we play. We are ready, and we will make Nigerians proud and bring everyone back together again."