Former Super Falcons players Patience Avre and Kikelomo Ajayi have expressed confidence that Nigeria can still secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, despite the 10-time African champions being forced into the play-off pathway following their quarter-final exit from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Avre, a four-time African champion with the Super Falcons, said the one-nil defeat to Cameroon was painful but insisted the team remained capable of responding.
“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, a former Super Falcons captain, was unequivocal when asked directly whether she believed Nigeria could still qualify. Related News Falcons criticism unfair – Ajibade Falcons, Banyana in must-win clash to keep W’Cup hopes alive Foundation unveils 6th table tennis tournament in C’River
