The chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hulayat Omidiran, has called on the Super Falcons to put their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations exit behind them and focus on qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria were eliminated after a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon in Morocco, ending their bid to retain the continental title.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Omidiran appealed to the players and coaches to remain united ahead of a World Cup qualification playoff against South Africa.
“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,” she said.
“The Super Falcons must pick themselves up, remain united and fight for the opportunity that lies ahead.”
Omidiran, a former chairperson of the Nigeria Football Federation women’s committee, said the playoff offered an immediate chance to recover and keep the World Cup ambition 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 added.
She also appealed for continued public support, stressing that one defeat did not erase the team’s achievements.
“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.”
The Super Falcons must beat South Africa to advance to the inter-confederation playoff for remaining places at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
