‘We need your support’ — Oshoala rallies Nigerians ahead of South Africa clash

Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has issued a rallying cry to Nigerians, imploring them to lend their full support to the national women's football team as they prepare for a critical 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup play-off match against South Africa.

“

The only thing I can say right now is we need their support. The World Cup ticket is at stake, so this is the time when we really need everyone to support the team.

The stakes are exceptionally high for Nigeria, whose hopes of securing a World Cup berth now hinge on navigating this challenging play-off route. This comes after the team's unexpected 1-0 quarter-final loss to Cameroon at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Sunday, a result that dashed their hopes of automatic qualification. The defeat meant the 10-time African champions failed to reach the WAFCON semi-finals.

Oshoala acknowledged the team's disappointment following their WAFCON performance but stressed their determination to bounce back against South Africa. "The only thing I can say right now is we need their support. The World Cup ticket is at stake, so this is the time when we really need everyone to support the team," she stated. She also drew parallels with the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the men's World Cup, highlighting the national significance of securing a spot in the global tournament.

“

We already know the Super Eagles didn’t qualify, so we know what is at stake and we know how Nigerians feel about this. We are sorry we lost this one, but the next game we will put in more effort and try to win the game.

The Barcelona legend underscored the gravity of the situation by pointing out Nigeria's remarkable historical record: the Super Falcons have participated in every Women's World Cup since its inception in 1991. This unbroken streak is now under serious threat, making the upcoming play-off crucial for maintaining their presence on the world stage. Oshoala also noted the increasing competitiveness in African women's football, citing defeats against Malawi and Cameroon as a wake-up call for the team to work harder and not rely solely on their pedigree.

“

Smaller nations are closing the gap for sure, but it’s also a wake-up call for us to put in effort knowing that there are other people who actually want to win this trophy. So we have to work harder.