The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which has opened today, July 20th in New Zealand and Australia, will mark the ninth appearance for the Nigeria Women’s national team.

The Super Falcons who reached the quarterfinals of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, are in Group B containing Canada, Ireland, and the tournament hosts Australia.

Team captain, Onome Ebi, 40, said the team is enthusiastic and will work hard to perform well in the competition. She is making her sixth appearance at the 2023 edition.

“Our ambition, definitely is to do our best. …. And we approach this World Cup with the mindset of performing to our utmost best and conquering,” she was quoted as saying by Cafonline.  “We had some disappointments at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations where we did not put the best performance.”

“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,” said Ebi.

Ebi predicts a tough group stage for Nigeria

Meanwhile, the skipper is confident Nigeria is ready to upset their opponents, despite being placed in a tough group.

“The ball is in our court as players, and we have to do everything to be on fire physically and mentally for this opportunity. We are aware that we are in a difficult situation.”

“We have the reigning Olympic champions, Canada, whom we have faced twice before, losing one and drawing one. Then we have Ireland and Australia, whom we have not played against.”

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“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,” emphasized Ebi.