Omotayo Fashola
(Asisat Oshoala. Photo by Nigeria Stories)
Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has called on Nigerians to unite in support of the national team as they face a decisive World Cup qualifier against South Africa, with their 2027 tournament hopes on the line.
Nigeria’s campaign suffered a major setback after a shock 1-0 loss to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-finals, dashing their title dreams and forcing them into a precarious playoff route for World Cup qualification.
The defeat means the nine-time African champions must now battle through a high-stakes Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament, where only three of four competing nations will secure a coveted World Cup spot.
Oshoala, speaking ahead of the crucial clash, emphasized the team’s determination to bounce back while urging fans to stand by them during this pivotal moment. She referenced the Super Eagles’ recent World Cup qualifying disappointment as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of preserving Nigeria’s unbroken Women’s World Cup attendance record.
The five-time African Player of the Year admitted the squad’s frustration but vowed they would fight relentlessly in the playoffs. She also pointed to the rapid evolution of women’s football across the continent, where traditional powerhouses can no longer rely on past dominance.
Nigeria’s struggles in Morocco, including losses to lower-ranked opponents, exposed the growing parity in African football and served as a wake-up call for the former champions to elevate their game.
