Nnadozie Promises Olympic Qualification After Falcons’ WAFCON Setback

Nnadozie Promises Olympic Qualification After Falcons’ WAFCON Setback

By Our Reporter 

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has appealed to Nigerians to remain supportive of the team following a disappointing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign and their failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria endured a difficult tournament in Morocco, suffering a quarter-final exit for the first time in WAFCON history. The setback was followed by the end of the Falcons’ long-standing record of qualifying for every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 1991.

Nnadozie acknowledged the disappointment but insisted that the Falcons did not underestimate any of their opponents during the tournament.

The Paris FC goalkeeper stressed that the gap between teams at the continental level has narrowed significantly, with every opponent capable of causing an upset.

“Even before now, I know there’s no pushover team at the WAFCON. We didn’t underrate any team. No surprises, we know this type of thing can happen,” Nnadozie said.

According to the goalkeeper, Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s most successful women’s football nations makes the Falcons a target for every opponent.

“We know every team wants to beat Nigeria, we know every team wants to qualify for the World Cup. So we have won before and this time we lost. Nigerians should bear with us.”

Nnadozie also expressed gratitude to the fans for their support, both during the recent campaign and over the years, while urging them not to abandon the team during a difficult period.

“To all Nigerians who have been supporting us, we really appreciate you guys. You have all tried your best in supporting us. Please don’t give up on us.”

Nnadozie Targets Olympic Qualification

Despite the Falcons’ recent setbacks, Nnadozie believes the team can respond positively when the Olympic qualifying campaign begins in October.

She urged Nigerians to remain patient and backed the Falcons to secure qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.

“The future is still bright. We have the Olympics qualifiers to play for. As we didn’t make it to the World Cup, we will try and make it to the Olympics.”

The WAFCON campaign was also a difficult one individually for Nnadozie, who conceded six goals in four appearances as Nigeria exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage.

With the World Cup qualification dream over, the Falcons will now turn their attention to the Olympic qualifiers and an opportunity to restore confidence and reconnect with their supporters.