NIS DG To Super Falcons: Forget Cameroon Defeat, Fight for World Cup Ticket

NIS DG To Super Falcons: Forget Cameroon Defeat, Fight for World Cup Ticket

By Admin 

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has urged the Super Falcons of Nigeria to put their recent Nations Cup disappointment behind them and focus on securing victory in their upcoming World Cup qualifying clash against South Africa, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Shaibu made the call while reacting to the Super Falcons’ defeat to Cameroon, which ended Nigeria’s campaign in the competition.

The NIS chief urged the players to quickly turn their attention to the crucial World Cup qualifier against the South African women’s national team on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

He reminded the Super Falcons of their status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team, having won the continental title a record 10 times. Shaibu said the team’s rich history should serve as a source of confidence and motivation rather than pressure.

“Setbacks are part of sport, but what defines champions is their ability to bounce back,” Shaibu said, urging the players and technical crew not to allow the defeat to affect their confidence.

He also called on the coaching staff and the entire technical team to maintain a positive mindset and ensure the players are fully prepared for the decisive encounter with South Africa.

According to Shaibu, the Super Falcons must take the “never-die Nigerian spirit” into the qualifier and demonstrate the resilience that has helped Nigeria remain a dominant force in African women’s football.

The NIS boss also appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the team rather than dwelling on the disappointment of the Nations Cup campaign.

“Rather than criticism, Nigerians should pray for them and rally behind them as they chase the World Cup ticket,” he said.

The call comes after Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses defeated the Super Falcons to secure a place in the Nations Cup semi-finals.

Despite the setback, Shaibu expressed confidence that Nigeria can respond positively against South Africa, insisting that the team’s experience, quality and determination can help them return to winning ways.

The Super Falcons will now have little time to dwell on their Nations Cup disappointment as they turn their attention to the World Cup qualification campaign and the challenge posed by South Africa.