Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has urged Nigerians to rally behind the team as they fight to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes suffered a setback after the Falcons lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, missing out on an automatic qualification ticket.
The nine-time African champions must now defeat South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in Thursday’s crucial play-in match to advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.
Oshoala acknowledged the disappointment of Nigerians, particularly after the Super Eagles also failed to qualify for the 2026 men’s World Cup, and appealed for strong support.
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“The World Cup ticket is at stake, so this is the time when we really need everyone to support the team,” she told ESPN.
The experienced striker also apologised for the defeat to Cameroon, promising a stronger performance against South Africa.
“We are sorry we lost this one, but the next game we will put in more effort and try to win the game,” she said.
Oshoala also warned that Nigeria could no longer rely solely on its reputation as Africa’s dominant women’s football team, noting that other countries are rapidly closing the gap.
She called the growing competition a wake-up call for the Falcons to work harder and fight for their place at the 2027 World Cup.
A defeat to South Africa would end Nigeria’s qualification hopes, while victory would keep the Falcons on course for one of the remaining World Cup places.
