ABUJA – The Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hulayat Omidiran, has urged the Super Falcons to put the WAFCON setback behind them and focus on securing a place in the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The Super Falcons narrowly lost 1-0 in the quarter-final to Cameroon at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The result ended the Falcons’ hopes of defending their continental crown.
This is contained in a statement by the FCC Spokesperson, Ademola Lawrence, on Thursday in Abuja.
Omidiran urged the team to remain focused and united as they face South Africa on Thursday in a playoff for qualification into the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
In spite of the loss, Omidiran hailed the players and technical crew for their efforts.
Th FCC boss 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,” she said.
The two-time chairperson of the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) women’s committee said that Nigeria’s women’s football tradition carries with it a responsibility to continually compete at the highest level.
She said 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 Falcons,” she said.
Omidiran called on Nigerians to continue supporting the team, adding that the players need encouragement and collective backing as they seek to secure qualification for the intercontinental playoff.
She 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 thought, but the World Cup journey is still alive. Go out there, fight for Nigeria and keep the dream alive. We are firmly behind you,” she said.
Reports that victory against South Africa would advance Nigeria to the inter- confederation playoff, where teams will compete for the final qualification slots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. (NAN)
