By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Super Falcons captain, Onome Ebi says the team is in a difficult group for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The nine-time African champions are drawn in Group B with current Olympic champions Canada, Australia and Republic of Ireland.
Canada and Australia are favourites to qualify for the group.
Ebi however stated that she and her teammates will give their best in the competition.
“We are aware that we are in a difficult pool. We have the reigning champions Canada who we have faced twice before, losing one and drawing one. Then we have Ireland and Australia who we have not played against,” Ebi told CAFOnline.
“We know it will also be very tough against Australia because they will be playing at home. We are under no pressure however and we are calm about these matches.
“All of these teams have qualified and earned their right to be at the World Cup. We have to be ready to face them.”
The experienced centre-back, who will making her sixth World Cup appearance also declared that the Super Falcons want to make a big impact in the competition.
Randy Waldrum’s side , who are Africa’s most successful side made it to the quarter -final once, at the 1999 edition hosted by the United States of America.
The West Africans were eliminated in the second round by Germany four years ago in France.
“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 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations where we did not put the best performance,” added the centre-back.
“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.”
The Super Falcons will take on Canada in their first game on Thursday.
