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NFF Puts All Resources Into Second ‘Window Of Opportunity’ For Super Falcons’ 2027 Women’s World Cup Qualification Quest
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has put its full arsenal and all resources into a last-ditch charge to ensure the Super Falcons qualify for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup through a second ‘window of opportunity’ that lies in a qualification play-off versus South Africa.
Sports247 reports that, heading into Thursday’s decisive match in Rabat, Morocco, the NFF came out with an open letter of apology and declaration of purpose to propel the female national team towards a consolation victory at the ongoing 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Victory over South Afirca on Thursday will keep the Falcons’ World Cup hope alive, though they would still have to face two more games during an intercontenental play-off later in the year, and the NFF appealed for total support from all Nigerians to seal the ticket.
The football governing body’s epistle published on Tuesday, was narrated through their president, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on behalf of the NFF executive committee, the Super Falcons and entire Nigerian football family, with apologies, deepest regrets and appeals.
It started with a direct apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Falcons’ loss, then moved to expressions of disappoinment and acknowledgement of failure, while noting that the NFFF owes gratitude to ‘everyone who prayed, encouraged, travelled, watched and stood behind the Super Falcons.’
The NFF’s lengthy open letter stated in part, “Sincere apologies to the Government and people of Nigeria, following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure a direct qualification ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“The team went into the competition carrying the hopes of the nation and the enormous goodwill and support of the Federal Government, and we regret that we were unable to deliver the result expected at this stage.
“We wish to extend a special and heartfelt apology to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for this disappointment.
“A window of opportunity remains through the CAF play-off pathway, and the Super Falcons are determined to fight for one of the two available CAF play-off tickets and subsequently pursue qualification through the FIFA play-off tournament.
“We must now regroup, learn from this setback and focus completely on the opportunity that remains. The NFF, the Falcons’ technical team and players are committed to doing everything within their power to secure Nigeria’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Our resolve is to ensure that the Super Falcons return stronger, fight harder and do everything possible to make Mr. President, the Federal Government and Nigerians proud once again.
“We sincerely thank Nigerians for their unwavering support and urge everyone to continue to stand with the Super Falcons, as we pursue the remaining route to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.”
Nigeria’s Falconets have completed their final preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 1-1 draw against South Korea U-20 in their final warm-up match in Poland.
Sports247 reports that the encounter provided Nigeria’s coaching crew with one last opportunity to assess the squad before the team begins its campaign at the global tournament.
Mary Mamudu put the Falconets ahead in the 29th minute, giving Nigeria a deserved advantage as the young West Africans looked to finish their preparations on a winning note.
South Korea, however, fought back after the interval and eventually drew level from the penalty spot in the 78th minute. Neither side could find a winning goal thereafter, leaving the two teams to share the spoils in a competitive final test.
The result means Nigeria conclude their Poland-based friendly programme with one victory and one draw, providing valuable match experience ahead of the World Cup.
The Falconets have been preparing extensively for the tournament following a successful qualification campaign in which they overcame Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, Senegal 3-1 on aggregate and Malawi 3-2 on aggregate.
Nigeria will now shift their attention fully to their opening Group F fixture against Spain on September 7. The team will subsequently face China PR on September 10 before rounding off the group stage against New Caledonia on September 13.
Nigeria remain the only African nation to have featured at every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, underlining the country’s remarkable consistency at the youth level.
The Falconets have also come agonizingly close to lifting the trophy, finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014. Their latest campaign therefore presents another opportunity for Nigeria to pursue a first-ever world title in the competition.
The draw against South Korea will give the technical crew plenty to analyze as the final preparations are completed, particularly with the opening game against Spain now approaching.
With the warm-up fixtures behind them, the Falconets can now focus on the task ahead in Poland. The preparations are over. The World Cup journey begins on September 7.
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