Avre, Ajayi back Nigeria ahead of W’Cup play-off

Former Super Falcons players Patience Avre and Kikelomo Ajayi remain confident Nigeria can still qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, despite being placed in the play-off route after their quarter-final loss to Cameroon at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Avre, four-time African champion, acknowledged the painful one-nil defeat but emphasized the team’s capability to overcome setbacks and prepare for the upcoming play-offs.

Ajayi, a former captain, echoed this sentiment, stating that Nigeria possesses the talent, experience, and pedigree to compete with the best. She emphasized the need for a renewed football culture, better planning, and investment in women’s football. Both players appealed to Nigerians to support the team during the crucial play-off match against South Africa, urging fans not to abandon the team after one disappointment.