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Former Nigeria defender Benedict Iroha has stressed the importance of victory for the Super Falcons against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in Sunday’s quarter-final clash at the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, Completesports.com reports.
Iroha, 56, also urged the Abdul Maikaba-led Flying Eagles to defeat Burkina Faso in the final of the WAFU-B Zonal play-offs in Côte d’Ivoire.
The 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning Golden Eaglets assistant coach under Yemi Tella spoke from his base in Texas, USA, on Saturday night, reminding the Super Falcons that, beyond taking another step towards lifting the WAFCON title for a record 10th time and securing a 13th victory over Cameroon in 26 meetings, victory on Sunday will guarantee the team a 10th FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.
“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 began when Completesports.com spoke with him.
Super Falcons Target World Cup Qualification
Nigeria and Cameroon will meet in the quarter-finals of the 2026 WAFCON currently taking place in Morocco. A win for either side will translate into qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Super Falcons have previously represented Africa nine times at the World Cup — in 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023.
“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.
Also Read: WAFCON 2026: We’re Ready For Cameroon Challenge — Babajide
Sunday’s clash will be the 26th meeting between the two teams across all competitions, with Nigeria victorious in 12 games, losing five and drawing eight.
The match has been slated for the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, Morocco, on Sunday, 9 August 2026.
Flying Eagles Seek U-20 AFCON Qualification
Similarly, Iroha urged the national U-20 men’s team, the Flying Eagles, to go all out for victory against the Stallions of Burkina Faso in Sunday’s WAFU-B final in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.
“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.
Also Read: WAFU B U-20 Championship: Flying Eagles To Face Burkina Faso In Final
“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.”
A win in the game will automatically qualify the team for the 2027 CAF U-20 Nations Cup, from which the continent’s representatives for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup will emerge.
Nigeria have previously represented Africa 12 times at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
