Avre and Ajayi Confident Nigeria Will Qualify for Women’s World Cup

Former Super Falcons stars Patience Avre and Kikelomo Ajayi believe Nigeria can still qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This comes after the team had to take the play-off route following their exit from the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Avre, who won four African titles with the Super Falcons, said the one-nil loss to Cameroon was tough. But she is sure the team can bounce back.

“The girls gave their best, but sometimes effort alone is not enough at this level. We have to learn from this setback, make the necessary changes and prepare properly for the World Cup play-offs,” Avre told our correspondent.

“I still believe in the Super Falcons. This result hurts, but it should be a wake-up call, not the end of the story. Nigeria has the talent to rise again, but we must do the work both on and off the pitch.”

Ajayi's Strong Belief

Ajayi, a former captain of the Super Falcons, was clear when asked if she believed Nigeria could still qualify.

“Yes, I believe we can. I don’t see it as losing our glory; I see it as a warning that the rest of Africa has caught up and become much more competitive,” she told PUNCH Sports Extra.

“The Super Falcons have the talent, experience and pedigree to compete with the best. What we need now is a renewed football culture around the women’s national team; better planning, continuity, preparation, investment and accountability.”

Ajayi noted that the play-off route will require more than just talent when Nigeria faces South Africa on Thursday.

“The play-off route will demand maximum concentration, proper preparation, tactical discipline and, most importantly, a very strong mentality. At this stage, every match becomes a final. We have to approach it with determination, humility and the belief that we belong on the World Cup stage,” she said.

Both women are calling on Nigerians to support the players before this important match. Ajayi urged fans not to “abandon the team because of one disappointment.”