The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has urged the Super Falcons to remain focused, resilient and united as they face South Africa on Thursday 13th of August in a crucial playoff for qualification to the inter-confederation playoffs tournament leading to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The call comes just days after Nigeria’s narrow 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, a result that ended the Super Falcons’ hopes of defending their continental crown.
While acknowledging disappointment at the outcome, Hon. Omidiran hailed the players and technical crew for their efforts and urged them not to allow the setback to derail their broader objective of securing Nigeria’s place on the road to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“As difficult as the WAFCON exit may be, this is not the time to lose hope. Football presents challenges, but champions are defined by how they respond to setbacks. The Super Falcons must pick themselves up, remain united and fight for the opportunity that lies ahead,” Omidiran said.
The two-time Chairperson of the NFF Women’s Football Committee stressed that Nigeria’s women’s football tradition carries with it a responsibility to continually compete at the highest level, adding that the playoff against South Africa presents an immediate opportunity for the Super Falcons to respond positively and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.
“I urge our players to put the disappointment of the WAFCON behind them, learn from the experience and approach the South Africa playoff with renewed determination. This is another important battle for Nigeria, and we believe in the quality, experience and character of the Super Falcons,” she continued.
Hon. Omidiran also called on Nigerians to continue supporting the team, stressing that the players need encouragement and collective backing as they seek to secure qualification for the intercontinental playoff competition and ultimately advance Nigeria’s bid for another appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The former member of the Executive Board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and proprietor of Omidiran Babes wished the team success against South Africa and urged the players to fight with confidence, discipline and the patriotic spirit that has long characterised the Super Falcons.
“The Super Falcons have made Nigerians proud on countless occasions. One defeat does not erase their achievements or diminish their place in our football history. We must stand behind them now, just as we have celebrated them in victory. I believe they can bounce back stronger and secure the result Nigeria needs.”
“The WAFCON journey may have ended earlier than we hoped, but the World Cup journey is still alive. Go out there, fight for Nigeria and keep the dream alive. We are firmly behind you.”
A win over 2022 African champions South Africa will see Nigeria compete in the two phases of the inter-confederation playoffs tournament, first phase in November-December 2026 and second in February 2027 for one of the three slots for 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
