Super Falcons In ‘High Spirits’ Ahead Of Australia Clash
The Super Falcons of Nigeria captain Onome Ebi said the team are in very “high spirits” as they look forward to their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B match against co-hosts Australia, at Brisbane’s Lang Park Stadium on Thursday.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is the big name on everyone’s lips after her heroics in the 0-0 draw with Olympic champions Canada in Melbourne. With captain Onome Ebi left on the substitutes bench, Coach Randy Waldrum handed the captain’s armband to the calm shot-stopper.
The selection was justified with a sterling performance, including a double save from iconic Christine Sinclair’s penalty kick five minutes into the second period. Now back in Queensland, the nine-time African champions are looking forward to what would certainly be a most interesting encounter against Australia.
“We are in very high spirits, I can tell you,” Ebi said in an interview on the team’s return to Brisbane. “It is the day after that massive point and we are already looking forward to our second match.”
“The Aussies will not be easy, but we knew before arriving in Australia that no team at this tournament will be easy.”
The players were given the day off on Saturday and only loosened up from the encounter that surprised the North Americans.
Even as Nigeria got a point off the Olympic champions in Melbourne, the Super Falcons still had a number of top performers in their ranks who are yet to feature in the competition this year.
Midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun were massive in the early afternoon at the Rectangular Stadium, but suspended regulars Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde are now available for selection.
🗣️Our forward Rasheedat Ajibade, the blue 🔵 hair girl, speaks ahead of Thursday’s meeting with co- hosts Australia 🇦🇺#SoarSuperFalcons #FIFAWWC #NGA #RASH pic.twitter.com/fK6Et0x2vN
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 24, 2023
The versatile Jennifer Echegini and forward Desire Oparanozie are also available.
Nigeria will square up to the Australia at the Lang Park Stadium on Thursday by 11am (WAT) with the arena expected to be filled to its 52,000-capacity.
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