FCC boss urges Super Falcons to focus on World Cup ticket

Hulayat Omidiran, Chairwoman of Nigeria's Federal Character Commission (FCC), has called on the Super Falcons to shift their focus from their recent Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) disappointment to securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. The Nigerian women's national football team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarterfinals held in Morocco, ending their bid to retain the continental title.

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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.

Omidiran issued a statement from Abuja, urging the players and coaching staff to remain united and concentrate on their upcoming World Cup qualification playoff match against South Africa. She acknowledged the difficulty of the WAFCON exit but emphasized that football is a sport of challenges where resilience defines champions. "Football presents challenges, but champions are defined by how they respond to setbacks," she stated.

The FCC chair encouraged the team not to let the WAFCON setback distract them from their primary goal of reaching the World Cup. She highlighted the playoff against South Africa as an immediate opportunity for redemption. Omidiran, who previously served twice as chairperson of the Nigeria Football Federation's women's committee, stressed that Nigeria's established reputation in women's football obligates the Falcons to consistently compete at the highest level.

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

She appealed to Nigerians for continued support, emphasizing that the players need encouragement as they pursue a World Cup spot. Omidiran expressed confidence in the team's quality, experience, and character, urging them to approach the playoff with determination, discipline, and patriotism. "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," she added, encouraging fans to stand behind the team as they have in past victories.

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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.