Asisat Oshoala has called on Nigerians to rally behind the Super Falcons as they fight to keep their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup hopes alive against South Africa.
Nigeria’s route to the World Cup became considerably more difficult after their 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals, ending their hopes of securing one of Africa’s automatic qualification places.
The result left the defending champions facing the playoff route, with South Africa now standing between the Super Falcons and the next stage of their World Cup qualification campaign.
“The only thing I can say right now is we need their support. The World Cup ticket is at stake, so this is the time when we really need everyone to support the team,” she said.
The forward acknowledged the disappointment surrounding Nigeria’s WAFCON campaign but insisted the players remain determined to respond when they face South Africa.
“We already know the Super Eagles didn’t qualify, so we know what is at stake and we know how Nigerians feel about this. We are sorry we lost this one, but the next game we will put in more effort and try to win the game,” Oshoala added.
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Nigeria have never missed a Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991. that remarkable record is now under serious pressure.
The Super Falcons are one of only seven teams to have appeared at every edition of the competition, but their failure to reach the WAFCON semifinals means they must now navigate the longer qualification route to preserve that record.
The four quarterfinal losers at the WAFCON will contest two knockout playoff matches, with the teams that emerge from that process advancing to FIFA’s Intercontinental Playoff Tournament, where three World Cup places will be available.
Nigeria entered the WAFCON as defending champions and the most successful team in the history of the competition, but defeats by Malawi and Cameroon have exposed some of the difficulties facing the side.
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Oshoala believes Nigeria’s recent setbacks should be viewed as a warning rather than simply a temporary dip.
The growth of women’s football across Africa has created a more competitive continental landscape, with nations that once struggled against the Super Falcons increasingly capable of challenging them.
“Smaller nations are closing the gap for sure, but it’s also a wake-up call for us to put in effort knowing that there are other people who actually want to win this trophy. So we have to work harder now,” Oshoala said.
that shift was evident during Nigeria’s WAFCON campaign. the Super Falcons may still possess the continent’s most decorated record, but their traditional dominance can no longer guarantee success.
Now, the immediate objective is no longer defending the African title. It is securing a place at the World Cup.
