Former Super Falcons Coach Backs Nigeria to Respond Against South Africa 
Former Super Falcons assistant coach Mansur Abdullahi has urged Nigerians and the team to remain calm ahead of Nigeria’s crucial clash with South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.
Both teams are looking to keep their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification hopes alive after disappointing quarter-final exits at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria lost 1-0 to Cameroon, while South Africa suffered a 2-1 defeat to hosts Morocco.
High Stakes for Both Teams
The play-in encounter offers the winner another route towards the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
For the Super Falcons, the match is an opportunity to quickly recover from their narrow defeat and give supporters something to celebrate after the setback.
Mansur has expressed confidence in the team while urging everyone around the squad to avoid unnecessary panic.
South Africa will also be determined to respond after their own disappointment, making the encounter a difficult test for both sides.
One Chance to Bounce Back
The winner will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs, where World Cup places will be decided later in 2026.
With so much at stake, the message from the former coach is simple: stay calm, learn from the previous game and focus on the opportunity ahead.