The National Sports Commission (NSC) has urged Nigeria’s Super Falcons to put their recent disappointment behind them and pursue victory against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in Thursday night’s World Cup playoff in Casablanca.
The commission said it was looking forward to a favourable result when the African rivals meet in the decisive fixture. The appeal was contained in a statement released in Lagos by Kola Daniel, media adviser to NSC Director General Bukola Olopade.
Nigeria, 10-time African champions, were beaten by Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the ongoing WAFCON. That defeat has left the Falcons needing to come through the inter-confederation playoff to secure a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Olopade asked the players to move beyond the quarter-final setback and direct their full attention towards the encounter with South Africa. He said the Falcons remain one of Africa’s leading football brands and a source of continental pride, meaning their unexpected loss to Cameroon should not overshadow their quality.
He also reminded the squad of the happiness they have given Nigerians over the years, stressing that public support for the team remains stronger than ever as they prepare for the crucial match.
The director general reaffirmed the Federal Government’s continued backing and expressed confidence that Nigeria can still qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Speaking on behalf of NSC chairman Shehu Dikko, Olopade assured the players that the government would maintain its full support and take every necessary step to help them secure the World Cup ticket.
