Avre, Ajayi back Nigeria for World Cup despite WAFCON exit

Despite the Super Falcons' disappointing exit from the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, former Nigerian internationals Patience Avre and Kikelomo Ajayi remain confident in the team's ability to secure a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup through the play-off pathway.

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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.

Nigeria, a 10-time African champion, suffered a painful 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-finals, a result that Avre, a four-time African champion herself, described as a setback that requires learning and necessary changes. "The girls gave their best, but sometimes effort alone is not enough at this level," Avre told PUNCH Sports Extra. "I still believe in the Super Falcons. This result hurts, but it should be a wake-up call, not the end of the story."

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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 captain, echoed Avre's sentiment, asserting her belief in Nigeria's qualification. She views the current challenge not as a loss of glory but as a sign of Africa's increasing competitiveness. "The Super Falcons have the talent, experience and pedigree to compete with the best," Ajayi stated. "What we need now is a renewed football culture around the women's national team; better planning, continuity, preparation, investment and accountability."

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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.

Both players stressed the immense pressure of the play-off route, which demands maximum concentration, tactical discipline, and a strong mentality. They urged Nigerians to rally behind the team, with Ajayi appealing to fans not to abandon the team after a single disappointment. Nigeria is set to face South Africa in a crucial play-off match.

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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.