The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, NIS, H. E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has urged the Super Falcons of Nigeria not to lose hope despite the defeat and exit from the Nations Cup.
He said the team should shift focus to the upcoming World Cup qualification match against the South Africa women’s national team on Thursday 13th August, 2026.
Shaibu made the call while reacting to the defeat super falcons suffered against Cameronian female team.
He reminded the Super Falcons that they remain the most successful women’s team on the continent, having won the African title a record 10 times. According to him, that pedigree should serve as motivation rather than a burden.
The NIS boss also charged the team’s coaches and the entire technical crew not to allow their spirits to be dampened by the loss. He noted that setbacks are part of sports, and that the ability to bounce back defines champions.
Shaibu further emphasized that the players must carry the “never die Nigerian spirit” into the crucial qualifier against South Africa. He said that same fighting attitude was responsible for Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football over the years and must be replicated in the next match.
He called on Nigerians to continue to support the girls and not lose hope in them. “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 the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon defeated the Super Falcons to secure a semi-final slot against the Nigerian women’s national team. Shaibu expressed confidence that with the right mindset and preparation, the Super Falcons will overcome South Africa and return to winning ways.
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