By Prosper Mene
Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu and captain Asisat Oshoala say the team is determined to avoid the same fate that befell the Super Eagles and secure Nigeria’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Speaking after Nigeria’s 1-0 quarterfinal loss to Cameroon on Sunday, the duo admitted the defeat was painful but insisted the team will give everything in the playoffs to keep Nigeria’s World Cup streak alive.
The loss ended the Super Falcons’ defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and cost them one of Africa’s four automatic tickets to Brazil 2027.
A Second Chance in the Playoffs
The 10-time African champions now face a tougher path. As one of four losing quarterfinalists, Nigeria will enter the WAFCON playoff round starting Thursday against South Africa. The winners of two knockout games will advance to FIFA’s Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament for a chance at one of three remaining World Cup slots.
It’s a route the Super Eagles took last cycle after failing to win their group. They reached the CAF playoff in Morocco but were eliminated by DR Congo, and subsequently missed out on the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off.
That failure is fresh in the Falcons’ minds.
“We have a second chance and we will give it our all,” Madugu said.
“We do not want to disappoint, and go the same way as the men. We’ll do our best to make sure we go through the playoffs. I quite understand the pains everyone is going through. I apologise and take responsibility for that.”
Six-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, echoed her coach, saying the team needs Nigerians behind them now more than ever.
“The World Cup ticket is at stake, so this is the time when we really need everyone to support the team,” Oshoala said.
“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.”
The situation is unfamiliar for the Super Falcons. Nigeria is one of only seven nations to have played at every Women’s World Cup since 1991 and has never failed to reach the WAFCON semifinals. That record is now under threat.
The defeat also highlights a shifting landscape in African women’s football. After losses to Malawi and Cameroon, Oshoala said Nigeria can no longer rely on history alone.
“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,” she added.
With the playoff against South Africa up next, the Super Falcons have one clear mission: keep Nigeria at the World Cup.
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