Shaibu Urges Super Falcons to Bounce Back Against South Africa After Cameroon Defeat

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 to put their recent defeat to Cameroon behind them and focus on securing victory against South Africa in their upcoming World Cup qualifier.

Shaibu made the call while reacting to the Super Falcons’ defeat against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses, which ended Nigeria’s Nations Cup campaign.

The NIS boss urged the players and technical crew not to allow the setback to affect their confidence ahead of Thursday’s crucial encounter with the South African women’s national team.

He reminded the Super Falcons of their status as the most successful women’s football team in Africa, having won the continental title a record 10 times. According to him, the team’s rich history should serve as motivation as they prepare for their next challenge.

“Setbacks are part of sports, but the ability to bounce back is what defines champions,” Shaibu said, urging the coaches and technical crew to remain focused and ensure the players regain their confidence.

He also called on the players to take the famous “never-die Nigerian spirit” into the crucial World Cup qualifier, noting that the fighting mentality has played a major role in Nigeria’s dominance of women’s football on the continent.

Shaibu appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the team rather than criticising the players following their Nations Cup exit.

“Rather than criticism, Nigerians should pray for them and rally behind them as they chase the World Cup ticket,” he said.

The Super Falcons will face South Africa on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in a crucial World Cup qualification fixture.

Shaibu expressed confidence that with proper preparation, determination and the right mentality, the Super Falcons can overcome South Africa and return to winning ways.