Super Falcons: Madugu, Oshoala make World Cup vow after Cameroon heartbreak – “We’ll do our best”

Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has vowed that his team will do their best to defeat South Africa when they face off in the continental World Cup playoffs on Thursday, Soccernet.ng reports.

​On Sunday, Nigeria fell to a disappointing 1-0 loss to Cameroon in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

​The result had weighty implications for the Super Falcons, as not only did they miss out on achieving continental glory for an 11th time, but they also missed out on a semifinal spot that would have guaranteed them an automatic ticket to the 2027 Women's World Cup.

​There is still a glimmer of hope, however, as Nigeria must now navigate the playoffs to secure their ticket. It is a much longer and more arduous process.

​Their first step in that journey is to defeat South Africa in the continental playoffs. If they succeed, they will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs alongside the winner of the fixture between Ghana and Ivory Coast.

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​Ahead of the match, coach Madugu has promised that the team will turn up and deliver. The Nigerian tactician noted that they witnessed the heartbreak the Super Eagles caused Nigerian fans and are determined to redeem themselves.

​”We have a second chance and we will give it our all,” Madugu told ESPN.

​”We do not want to disappoint and go the same way as the men. We'll do our best to make sure we go through the playoffs.

​”I quite understand the pain everyone is going through. We know what it means for all of us and the country. I apologize and take responsibility for that.”

​Asisat Oshoala Asks for Super Falcons Support

​Despite their WAFCON ouster, Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala has appealed for support from Nigerian fans. She reiterated that the team is well aware the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the Mundial, and as such, they want to give Nigerians something to cheer about.

​”The only thing I can say right now is that we need their support. The World Cup ticket is at stake, so this is the time when we really need everyone to back the team,” she added.

​”We already know the Super Eagles didn't qualify, so we know what is at stake and how Nigerians feel about this. We are sorry we lost this one, but in the next game, we will put in more effort and try to win.”

​This marks the first time Nigeria has failed to get past the quarterfinals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, as well as their first time participating in the playoffs—uncharted territory for both the team and Nigerian fans.

​If they get past South Africa, they will progress to the first phase of the inter-confederation playoffs, which will involve teams from Asia, South America, and Oceania (OFC).

​If they survive that stage, they will then qualify for the second and final phase of the inter-confederation playoffs.