The Super Falcons embarked on the significant journey from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to Melbourne, Australia on Sunday.
About last night, we 🇳🇬 headed out 🛫 to 🇦🇺🇳🇿AUNZ for the @FIFAWWC
Counting on your support 🤗🥰💙#SoarSuperFalcons #FIFAWWC2023 #TeamNigeria pic.twitter.com/fjAY5nFKGx
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 3, 2023
Under the guidance of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Super Falcons made their way to Australia for a 15-day training camp. This period was designed to enhance their team dynamics, refine their skills, and further solidify their strategies ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup.
The team's base was set in Brisbane, which would also serve as the venue for two group-stage matches. During their training camp in Australia, the Super Falcons would have the opportunity to acclimatise to the local conditions and fine-tune their strategies under the guidance of their coaching staff.
The team was honoured with a farewell dinner at the Transcorp Hotel in Abuja on Saturday night to bid farewell to the Super Falcons and show their support. The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including a representative of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
The @NGSuper_Falcons had a great time yesterday as they were hosted by the 🇳🇬Nigeria Football Federation ahead of their departure to 🇦🇺🇳🇿 for the @FIFAWWC.#SoarSuperFalcons #FIFAWWC2023 pic.twitter.com/YOe8csVthe
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) July 2, 2023
First Lady urges Super Falcons to bring FIFA Women's World Cup home
In a show of support and encouragement, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, expressed her belief in the Super Falcons' ability to win the FIFA Women's World Cup finals taking place in Australia and New Zealand.
“It is important that you remain committed by playing together as a team; no one should think that she’s better player than the other,” she said in a speech read on her behalf by Dr. Betta Edu.
“It is only when you play as a team that you can record success. It is my expectation that this time, you will surpass your previous efforts.
“I am sure that 99.9 per cent of Nigerians will stay glued to their television sets to watch you. Please try your best to bring the cup home.
“You are the shining star and pride of Africa. I charge you to go all out and do your very best to dominate other teams, and become the pride of the entire world.”
NFF president emphasises commitment ahead of Super Falcons' World Cup campaign
NFF president Alhaji Ibrahim Gashua also expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government for supporting the Super Falcons.
“Football remains the biggest unifier across the world; it has helped to shore up our national image while helping to reduce criminal tendencies among the youth,” he told the press.
“I want to encourage the coaches to be more committed because you will be accountable for the outing.”
Asisat Oshoala confident and ready for FIFA Women's World Cup
Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala recently expressed her determination and readiness for the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup.
In a video shared on Instagram by Nigerian journalist Calister Enejele, Oshoala confidently stated her preparedness ahead of the tournament.
“As far as I know, I will be ready before the World Cup kicks off,” Oshoala stated.
Super Falcons and Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala speaks about her fitness ahead of the FIFA Women World Cup #superfalcons#Asisatoshoala #nigeria pic.twitter.com/zz3EIyFOiU
— Cali_e (@cali_enejele) July 1, 2023
Meanwhile, Nigeria captain Onome Ebi exuded confidence as she declared that her team was not merely participating in the finals but hoped to set a few records.
Determined to surpass their previous achievements, Ebi expressed the team's ambition to advance beyond the Round of 16.
“We have passed that phase of just going to participate; we are going there to make records, to surpass our previous outing, which is Round 16,” Ebi quipped.
All African participations in #FIFAWWC! 👏
🇳🇬 @NGSuper_Falcons with 9 times leading African appearances ✨#EmpoweringOurGame pic.twitter.com/CKKC16QgC8
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 2, 2023
The Super Falcons will open their campaign against Canada at Melbourne's Rectangular Stadium on 21 July.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago