Ex-Super Falcon Says Nigeria Can Defeat England
Former Super Falcons forward, Stella Mbachu, on Thursday said that history could repeat itself when Nigeria takes on England in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, as the Africans could defeated England again if the team play cohesively.
Mbachu said this in an interview in Lagos. She urged the ladies to listen to coach Randy Waldrum’s instructions and play as a team.
The nine-time African champions became the first African team to qualify for the round of 16 and finished runners-up in Group B, after a goalless draw with Republic of Ireland.
“No team that made it to the World Cup is lower than any team that have equally earned their spot. I recall my team and I defeated England in a friendly match,” Mbachu said.
“So if we could definitely, they can as long as they play as a team and most importantly play according to the coaches’ instruction they can defeat England.”
They need to build their confidence psychologically, opponents can sense when a team is terrified,” she added. “England is no small fry but they’re definitely not a big deal.”
“These girls have shown they have what it takes, and I can see that they really want to do well in this tournament and I pray they exceed their own expectations.”
The encounter would be a difficult test for Waldrum’s ladies after the Lionesses of England walloped China 6-1 to confirm the matchup. It was England’s biggest-ever World Cup victory and took them to the top of Group D.
Super Falcons have made nine appearances at the World Cup since 1991. The teams best performance was making it to the quarterfinals in 1999.
While the Lionesses of England have made 6 appearance since 1995, the teams best outing was in 2015, when they finished in third place.
Chidi Nwoke/Obinna Aniakor.
