FCC boss urges Super Falcons to focus on World Cup ticket

FCC boss urges Super Falcons to focus on World Cup ticket

The Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hulayat Omidiran, has urged the Super Falcons to quickly move past their disappointing exit from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and concentrate on securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Omidiran’s call came after Nigeria suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-final in Morocco, a result that ended the Falcons’ bid to retain the continental title.

Omidiran, in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday appealed to the players and their coaches to remain united and focused ahead of their World Cup qualification playoff against South Africa.

The FCC chairman also commended the players and technical crew for their efforts despite the setback.

She urged the team not to allow the WAFCON disappointment to distract them from their larger objective of keeping Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes alive.

“As difficult as the WAFCON exit may be, this is not the time to lose hope. Football presents challenges, but champions are defined by how they respond to setbacks.

“The Super Falcons must pick themselves up, remain united and fight for the opportunity that lies ahead,” she said.

Omidiran, who served twice as chairperson of the Nigeria Football Federation women’s committee, said Nigeria’s long-standing reputation in women’s football places an obligation on the Falcons to continue competing at the highest level.

She described the playoff against South Africa as an immediate chance for the team to recover from the WAFCON disappointment and keep its World Cup ambition on track.

“I urge our players to put the disappointment of the WAFCON behind them, learn from the experience and approach the South Africa playoff with renewed determination.

“This is another important battle for Nigeria, and we believe in the quality, experience and character of the Falcons,” she said.

The FCC boss also appealed to Nigerians to continue backing the team, stressing that the players require encouragement and collective support as they pursue a place in the intercontinental playoff.

She wished the Falcons success against South Africa and urged them to approach the encounter with confidence, discipline and the patriotic spirit associated with the national team.

“The Super Falcons have made Nigerians proud on countless occasions. One defeat does not erase their achievements or diminish their place in our football history.

“We must stand behind them now, just as we have celebrated them in victory. I believe they can bounce back stronger and secure the result Nigeria needs.

“The WAFCON journey may have ended earlier than we thought, but the World Cup journey is still alive. Go out there, fight for Nigeria and keep the dream alive. We are firmly behind you,” she said.

It will be Recalled that the Falcons’ hopes of retaining their continental title were ended after they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-final of the tournament in Morocco.