‘World Cup Ticket Is Paramount,’ Says Super Falcons Captain
Super Falcons of Nigeria captain, Onome Ebi, has declared that the nine-time African champions’ “World Cup ticket is paramount” as the team is fully focused on the twin objectives of qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women’s tournament, and retaining their Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco next month.
Cup holders Nigeria and 11 other countries will contend for the coveted WAFCON trophy in the North African kingdom between 2nd – 23rd July, and all four semi-finalists are guaranteed spots in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – the biggest ever in the history of the women’s game that will be staged in Australia and New Zealand.
“We are aware of the intense competition that is going to play out there in Morocco. We have no illusions. Women’s football has continued to grow in a lot of other African nations, faster than anyone can imagine,” Ebi said.
“So, there will be nothing like under-rating any team. All the teams will be upbeat about their chances and winning tickets to the World Cup,” Ebi added. “On our part, as defending champions, we know our strengths. We know what we have to bring to the pitch to conquer.”
“The wise thing always is to take it one match at a time. We go up first against the Banyana, and then we have to face the challenges of Botswana and Burundi. Then, the knock-out rounds. World Cup ticket is paramount, but we also want to retain our trophy.”
Nigeria have won nine of the 11 championships contested so far, done every other year since 1998. The 2020 edition that was obliterated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ebi, who has played in five FIFA World Cup finals since the 4th finals in USA in 2003, was among 19 early arrivals as the training camp commenced in Abuja on Thursday.
The 19 early birds have now been joined by four others, and four more are expected as the team prepares to depart the country next weekend for Morocco.
Chidi Nwoke/NFF.
