{
  "id": 718593,
  "title": "Avre, Ajayi back Nigeria ahead of W’Cup play-off",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/avre-ajayi-back-nigeria-ahead-of-wcup-play-off",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T01:38:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/avre-ajayi-back-nigeria-ahead-of-wcup-play-off/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Former Super Falcons stars Patience Avre and Kikelomo Ajayi express confidence in Nigeria’s ability to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup despite Read More: https://punchng.com/avre-ajayi-back-nigeria-ahead-of-wcup-play-off/",
  "key_points": [
    "Patience Avre and Kikelomo Ajayi optimistic Nigeria can qualify for 2027 World Cup.",
    "Former Super Falcons players acknowledge one-nil loss to Cameroon.",
    "Ajayi calls for renewed football culture and fan support during play-off."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Former Super Falcons players' endorsement of Nigeria's chances signals a rallying cry for the team and fans to regroup and push for World Cup qualification through the play-off route.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Avre, Ajayi back Nigeria ahead of W’Cup play-off",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/avre-ajayi-back-nigeria-ahead-of-wcup-play-off-719919",
        "published": "2026-08-13T01:49:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}