The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is proud of the Super Falcons’ outing at the ninth FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, according to the federation’s first Vice President of Nigeria Football Federation, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, who expressed confidence that the team would get to the latter stages of the tournament.
With four points from their first two games, the Super Falcons top Group B having scored more goals than Olympics champions Canada.
After two matches at the global showpiece in Down Under, the Falcons have earned four points, with a draw against Canada and defeat of co-host nation Australia, in itself a record for Nigeria’s participation at the championship that began in 1991. Nigeria and Canada, who play goalless on Matchday 1, each have four points and plus one goal. But the Nigerian ladies have scored three times as against two by the North Americans. A draw against bottom-placed Republic of Ireland on Monday night (11 am in Nigeria) in Brisbane is enough to advance Nigeria into the Round of 16.
“I am aware that our country has been in the quarterfinals of the World Cup previously in 1999, but I also know the four points we have now is the best harvest we have made after just two matches. That is gladdening, even as we encourage the girls to keep their eyes on the ball and do the business against the Republic of Ireland.
“So much is possible if the team stays focused and ambitious, which is what they have shown in their first two matches”, Anyansi-Agwu, who is the leader of Nigeria’s delegation to the competition, said.
Nigeria is one of only seven countries to have played in every single edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since it started in 1991, but the Falcons’ best harvests previously after two matches have been their three points at the 2019 finals in France. In 1999, when they defeated Republic of Korea after losing to the United States, two points were still awarded for a win in the game.
Meanwhile, history-making captain Onome Ebi has assured that the Super Falcons are gingered and in a super positive mood ahead of Monday evening’s cracker.
The 40-year old became the one of the oldest women to have featured at the FIFA Women’s World Cup when she was introduced into the game against co-hosts Australia at the same Lang Park venue in Brisbane on Thursday. She is also one of the few women – and the only one from the African continent – to have played in six finals, alongside Brazil’s Marta and Canada’s Christine Sinclair.
Ebi said: “We are very positive and looking forward to the match. The mood in camp is great and everyone is in high spirits. The win against Australia has given us the belief and the confidence to face any team. We will play for a win.
“We want Nigerians all over the world to continue to support us and believe in the team. That alone gives us great motivation. We have won one match and drawn one. We want to set the record of not losing any match in the group phase and topping our group.
“We know we still have a job to do; we are not deterred. We simply go in there and play for a win”.
Co-hosts Australia tackle Canada in the other match of Group B that will be played simultaneously on Monday night.
With a win in mind, Nigeria could start with a forward-line of record-breaker Asisat Oshoala, and Uchenna Kanu (who scored the first goal against Australia), with Rasheedat Ajibade and Ifeoma Onumonu operating from the wings.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Australia, His Excellency Anderson Madubike on Saturday reiterated that the Super Falcons have provided himself, officials of the Nigeria High Commission and indeed all members of the Nigerian community in Australia huge bragging rights with their win over the Matildas on Thursday evening.
“I can tell you that we are very happy. Now, we walk with a fresh spring in our steps anywhere we go in the whole of Australia. The Super Falcons have done us proud and we want them to continue winning”, Madubike said in Brisbane.
The seasoned diplomat, who alongside his mission staff have worked assiduously to mobilize Nigerians across the huge territory that is Australia to support and encourage the Super Falcons since they arrived here, spoke as he hosted some board members and Management staff of the NFF at a place nicknamed Little Lagos in Brisbane.
“What we have been doing for the team is nothing special; these are the things that any mission should do for a Nigerian team wherever they find themselves. However, we are overjoyed that our little efforts have not gone in vain. The Falcons are making us happy and we believe they can go all the way”, Madubike, who previously served in South Africa and China, said.
Anyansi-Agwu thanked the High Commissioner and his officials for being at the disposal of the team and going to lengths to support and encourage Nigeria’s campaign at the finals.
Also at the occasion were Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa and Alhaji Babagana Kalli (NFF executive members); Dr. Mohammed Sanusi (NFF General Secretary); Mrs Mercy Clement (Deputy High Commissioner); Ademola Olajire (NFF Director of Communications); Dayo Enebi Achor (Deputy Director, Competitions) and; Emmanuel Ayanbunmi (Chief Protocol Officer).
