Nigeria, Aug. 12 -- Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has called on Nigerians to throw their weight behind the team as they face South Africa in a crucial 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup play-off on Thursday.

With Nigeria's World Cup hopes now hanging in the balance, Oshoala believes the Super Falcons need the support of the nation more than ever as they fight to preserve their historic record at the global tournament.

Nigeria lost their automatic qualification opportunity after suffering a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

The result denied the 10-time African champions a place in the WAFCON semi-finals and forced them into the more difficult qualification route for the World Cup.

The...