With 24 hours to the kickoff of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Super Falcons’ Captain, Onome Ebi, insisted yesterday that the Nigerian ladies are ready to tale on the rest of the world.
Speaking with CAFOnlineyesterday from the team’s camp in Australia, Ebi,
said the tournament starting on Wednesday is another opportunity for Falcons to make a bold statement despite not doing well at the lastWomen’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
“Our preparation is going on okay and we are focusing on improving on all fronts; from defence to attack. We are adjusting everything to be ready for the World Cup which is fast approaching. We are focusing on the small details which we don’t want to miss and also, we don’t want to repeat mistakes that we have had in the past,” began the Falcons captain.
The multiple African champions have been drawn in Group B where they will battle out against Canada, Ireland and hosts Australia, and the ambitious Nigerians are slowly folding their sleeves and getting ready to work for a good performance down under.
“Our ambition, definitely, is to do our best. We approach this World Cup with the mindset of performing to our utmost best and conquering. We had some disappointments at the last TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations where we did not put the best performance.
“We have the opportunity at the World Cup where we do not want to disappoint again. I have faith in my team and I like our current state of mind. The team is united and I believe we will be able to do great things at the World Cup. We are motivated and we want to hoist Nigeria’s flag to the highest point.
The ball is in our court as players and we have to do everything to be on fire physically and mentally for this opportunity,” stressed Ebi who is one of the oldest players at this edition at 40.
She admitted that having Africa’s top player, Asisat Oshoala, in the Nigerian squad was a great advantage.
“It’s a blessing to have her (Oshoala) in this team. She is a great professional and an example for the whole team. Her performance at club level is incredible. “Many people forget that few months ago she was injured and today she is up on the pitch putting up huge performances both in the local league and the Champions League.
“She is one of the best players in the World and speaking to her, she is also hugely waiting for the World Cup and has already set her targets for the tournament. She is doing everything she can to be on top form,” concludes Onome Ebi.
