Babajide vows Super Falcons will recover after WAFCON 2026 exit

Nigeria’s 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign ended in the quarter-finals, while the Super Falcons later lost their final opportunity to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Forward Rinsola Babajide has described the outcome as painful but urged Nigerians to remain behind the team.

Babajide said missing the World Cup was especially difficult for a group of players who value representing Nigeria at major international tournaments. The disappointment came after a WAFCON campaign that fell short of the team’s expectations.

Nigeria’s quarter-final elimination removed their direct route through the tournament, before the team suffered defeat to South Africa in the last World Cup qualification opportunity. The sequence meant the Super Falcons will not be at the next global women’s tournament.

Babajide acknowledged the emotional impact of the setback in a message shared after the campaign. She expressed gratitude for having represented Nigeria at another WAFCON, while making clear that the team had wanted a different outcome.

The Real Sociedad forward said the players were determined to recover rather than remain focused on the disappointment. Her message called for a reset, reflection and renewed work as Nigeria prepare for their next challenge.

That next priority is the Olympic qualification process. Babajide’s appeal places the emphasis on rebuilding after the WAFCON exit and World Cup disappointment, with the Super Falcons now required to turn their attention to the qualifiers ahead.