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

Former Super Falcons players Patience Avre and Kikelomo Ajayi have confidence that Nigeria can still qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, despite being forced into the play-off route following their quarter-final exit from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Avre, a four-time African champion, acknowledged the one-nil defeat to Cameroon as painful but emphasized that the team has the capacity to respond.

She called for learning from the setback, making necessary changes, and preparing properly for the World Cup play-offs. Ajayi, the former captain, echoed this belief, stating that Nigeria's talent, experience, and pedigree make the Super Falcons capable of competing with the best. She stressed the need for a renewed football culture around the women’s national team, including better planning, continuity, preparation, investment, and accountability.

Both players urged Nigerians to support the players ahead of their crucial match against South Africa, urging fans not to abandon the team after one disappointment.