World Cup Play-off: Football stakeholders urge Super Falcons to crush S/Africa
World Cup Play-off: Football stakeholders urge Super Falcons to crush S/Africa
Some Football stakeholders in FCT 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 Super Falcons, who are the defending champions, were eliminated from the WAFCON after a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to arch-rivals Cameroon in Casablanca on Sunday.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s title defence and denied the team automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Nigeria, however, still has a route to the World Cup through the African play-off involving the four WAFCON quarter-final losers.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday, stakeholders urged the players to remain focused and use the South Africa encounter to revive their World Cup hopes.
Ahmed Adamu, a coach with Hope Football Club, urged the Super Falcons not to lose hope following their WAFCON exit.
Adamu reminded the players that Nigeria had won the African women’s title a record 10 times, saying the pedigree should serve as motivation rather than pressure.
“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 had contributed to their performance.
He said the players remained talented and capable of responding positively if given adequate preparation and support.
Paul Joseph, a sports analyst, said the loss to Cameroon should not destroy the confidence of the players.
“The immediate priority now must be the World Cup qualification play-off against South Africa.
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“The team must learn from the Cameroon game, improve its finishing and creativity and be more clinical in front of goal,” he said.
He advised the technical crew to select players based on current form, fitness and tactical suitability rather than reputation.
Joseph also called for improved psychological preparation, midfield control and tactical planning against South Africa.
Tolulope Oguntimilehin, a sports journalist, said the focus should now be on providing the team with the necessary support ahead of the decisive encounter.
He, however, stressed that the loss to Cameroon should prompt the 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 ensure they regained their confidence and approach the South Africa encounter with greater tactical discipline.
Meanwhile, 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.
Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that 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.
