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Iroha urges Super Falcons and Flying Eagles to seal World Cup qualification
Former Nigeria defender Benedict Iroha says the Super Falcons must beat Cameroon in Sunday’s 2026 WAFCON quarter-final to secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The match in Morocco offers Nigeria the chance to reach the Women’s World Cup for a 10th time, while victory would also send the Super Falcons into the WAFCON semi-finals and move them closer to a record-extending 10th continental title.
Iroha, 56, also called on the Flying Eagles to defeat Burkina Faso in the WAFU-B final in Cote d’Ivoire, a result which would guarantee Nigeria qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 Nations Cup.
Speaking from his base in Texas, USA, on Saturday night, Iroha said the immediate priority for the Super Falcons should be qualification for the global tournament rather than focusing solely on winning the African championship.
“For me, it’s not about winning the WAFCON trophy. They have won it, I think, ten (10) times before. What I think should be their target is the World Cup ticket,” Iroha told Completesports.com.
Nigeria and Cameroon will meet in the last eight of the 2026 WAFCON, which is being staged in Morocco. The winner will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Super Falcons have appeared at nine previous editions of the Women’s World Cup, in 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023.
Iroha warned Nigeria not to be distracted by their superior record against Cameroon, insisting the quarter-final represented a critical test.
“This is the most crucial stage of the tournament. They should keep their heads cool. Focus and concentration are very important.
“Yes, statistics don’t tell lies. Like you pointed out, Nigeria holds the head-to-head advantage over Cameroon. But that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Did anyone believe that the Super Falcons would lose to Malawi in their opening group match? That’s more reason they should take the game very seriously because two things are at stake the FIFA World Cup ticket and a WAFCON semi-final ticket.
“Don’t forget, Cameroon are always very physical in their game and the Super Falcons should be wary of this,” Iroha stressed.
The quarter-final will be the 26th meeting between Nigeria and Cameroon in all competitions. Nigeria have won 12 of those matches, while Cameroon have recorded five victories and eight meetings have ended in draws.
The game will be played at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Sunday, 9 August 2026. A win would also give Nigeria a 13th victory over Cameroon.
Flying Eagles face Burkina Faso rematch
Iroha has also urged Nigeria’s U-20 men’s side, the Flying Eagles, to overcome Burkina Faso in Sunday’s WAFU-B final in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire.
Victory would secure Nigeria’s place at the 2027 CAF U-20 Nations Cup. The tournament will then provide the route to qualification for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup, with Africa’s representatives determined there.
“That’s the only way to qualify for the 2027 U-20 AFCON,” Iroha reminded the team.
“Victory on Sunday will guarantee the team a place in the U-20 AFCON, from which they will seek a World Cup ticket,” he continued.
The Flying Eagles will also be seeking to respond to a setback from the group stage, when Burkina Faso defeated them 1-0.
“Don’t forget, Burkina Faso defeated the Flying Eagles (1-0) in their opening group match. So, this is more of a revenge match and, of course, he who laughs last, laughs best.”
Nigeria have represented Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup on 12 previous occasions.
