Football stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory have urged Nigeria’s Super Falcons to put their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) exit behind them and focus on Thursday’s crucial FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification play-off against South Africa.
The defending champions were eliminated from the WAFCON after a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon in Casablanca on Sunday, ending their title defence and denying them automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Nigeria can still qualify through the African play-off involving the four WAFCON quarter-final losers.
Ahmed Adamu, a coach with Hope Football Club, urged the players not to lose hope, reminding them that Nigeria had won the African women’s title a record 10 times.
“Setbacks are part of sports, and the ability to bounce back defines champions.
“That same fighting attitude must be replicated in the next match as they chase the World Cup ticket,” he said.
Abimbola Samuel, owner of Casmatt Football Club and technical adviser to the team, urged Nigerians not to condemn the players, saying inadequate preparation contributed to their performance.
Sports analyst Paul Joseph said the defeat should not affect the players’ confidence, urging them to improve their finishing and creativity against South Africa.
“The immediate priority now must be the World Cup qualification play-off against South Africa.
“The team must learn from the Cameroon game, improve its finishing and creativity and be more clinical in front of goal,” he said.
Joseph also called for the selection of players based on current form, fitness and tactical suitability, as well as improved psychological preparation, midfield control and tactical planning.
Sports journalist Tolulope Oguntimilehin urged Nigerians to support the team ahead of the decisive encounter and called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to review the team’s preparation for major competitions.
Olufunmilayo Adeoti, coach of Abigealand FC, said the Super Falcons appeared to have lost their tactical direction against Cameroon but urged them to regain confidence and approach the South Africa match with greater discipline.
Under the revised qualification format, the four WAFCON quarter-final losers will contest an African play-off, with the successful teams advancing to the 10-team FIFA Inter-Confederation Play-Off Tournament.
Nigeria will face South Africa on Thursday, while Ghana will take on Côte d’Ivoire. The winner of the Nigeria-South Africa encounter will advance to the next stage of the World Cup qualification process.
