The Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hulayat Omidiran, has told the Super Falcons to quickly move on from their disappointing exit at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. She wants them to focus on securing a spot for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Omidiran's message came after Nigeria lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-final in Morocco. This loss ended the Falcons’ chance to keep their continental title.
In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday by the FCC spokesperson, Ademola Lawrence, Omidiran urged the players and their coaches to stay united and focused as they prepare for their World Cup qualifying playoff against South Africa.
She praised the players and coaches for their hard work despite the setback. Omidiran stressed that the team should not let the WAFCON disappointment distract them from their main goal of keeping Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive.
"As tough as the WAFCON exit may be, this is not the time to lose hope. Football has its challenges, but champions show how they bounce back from setbacks."
"The Super Falcons must stand strong, remain united, and fight for the opportunities ahead," she said.
Omidiran, who has been chairperson of the Nigeria Football Federation women’s committee twice, noted that Nigeria’s history in women’s football puts pressure on the Falcons to compete at the highest level.
She called the playoff against South Africa a chance for the team to recover from their WAFCON disappointment and keep their World Cup dreams alive.
"I urge our players to put the WAFCON disappointment behind them, learn from it, and face the South Africa playoff with new energy."
"This is another important battle for Nigeria, and we trust in the quality, experience, and spirit of the Falcons," she said.
Omidiran also asked Nigerians to keep supporting the team, saying the players need encouragement and support as they aim for a place in the intercontinental playoff.
She wished the Falcons success against South Africa and encouraged them to play with confidence, discipline, and the national pride that comes with being part of the team.
"The Super Falcons have made Nigerians proud many times. One loss does not erase their accomplishments or lower their status in our football history."
"We must support them now, just as we have cheered for them in victory. I believe they can bounce back stronger and achieve the results Nigeria needs."
"The WAFCON journey may have ended sooner than we wanted, but the World Cup journey is still alive. Go out there, fight for Nigeria, and keep the dream alive. We are all behind you," she said.
Recall that the Falcons’ hopes of keeping their continental title ended after they lost narrowly to Cameroon in the quarter-final in Morocco.
The Super Falcons must defeat South Africa to move on to the inter-confederation playoff, where teams will compete for the last qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
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