{
  "id": 719907,
  "title": "Ex-assistant coach Monsur urges calm for Banyana test",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/ex-assistant-coach-monsur-urges-calm-for-banyana-test-719907",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T01:56:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ex-assistant-coach-monsur-urges-calm-for-banyana-test/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mansur Abdullahi, the former assistant coach of Nigeria's Super Falcons, has advised the team to remain composed and capitalize on the chance provided by Thursday's World Cup play-off match against South Africa. Abdullahi, now the Technical Director at Sokoto United and Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, maintains that the Falcons' performance at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations was better than what many people believe. Speaking to PUNCH Sports Extra, Abdullahi advised the team to stay calm and use the opportunity on Thursday to secure their place in the next phase. The former coach, who has previously called for increased investment in Nigeria's women's grassroots football, has consistently advocated for patience as the team navigates scrutiny following their quarter-final loss to Cameroon. A win against Banyana Banyana in Casablanca on Thursday would advance Nigeria to the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament, which could lead to a spot at the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.",
  "summary": "Former assistant coach Mansur Abdullahi urges the Super Falcons to stay calm and seize their World Cup play-off opportunity against South Africa. Read More: https://punchng.com/ex-assistant-coach-monsur-urges-calm-for-banyana-test/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Ex-assistant coach Monsur urges calm for Banyana test",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/ex-assistant-coach-monsur-urges-calm-for-banyana-test",
        "published": "2026-08-13T01:38:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}