The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s football team, are set to embark on a journey to Australia for their preparations ahead of the highly-anticipated 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In an announcement made by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the nine-time African champions will depart from Abuja to undergo a 15-day training camp in Australia. They will be based in Brisbane, which will also serve as the venue for two of their group matches.
The team’s first match is scheduled against Olympic champions Canada at Melbourne’s Rectangular Stadium on July 21. Subsequently, they will face co-hosts Australia and the Republic of Ireland on July 27 and July 31, respectively, at Lang Park in Brisbane.
Critics have raised concerns about the team’s level of preparedness for the upcoming World Cup. Coach Waldrum, expressing his frustrations on the show “Sounding off on soccer with John Krysinsky,” admitted that the girls are not adequately prepared for the tournament. He cited the cancellation of a planned training camp in Nigeria, expressing disappointment with the lack of support from the NFF.
The NFF has faced criticism in the past, often accused of hindering the success of football in Nigeria. They have been criticized for issues such as unpaid wages to players and coaches, as well as interference in the coach’s decision-making process.
The squad for the World Cup, consisting of 23 women, was announced on June 16. Notable players on the list include Francisca Ordega, Assiat Oshoala, Ashleigh Plumptre, Onome Ebi, Desire Oparanozie, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu, Christy Ucheibe, and Gift Monday. The remaining players are Halimatu Ayinde, Ifeoma Onumonu, Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini, Michelle Alozie, Tochukwu Oluehi, Yetunde Balogun, Deborah Abiodun, Rofiat Imuran, Osinachi Ohale, Ijeoma Okoronkwo, and Tosin Demehin.
While the NFF is no stranger to criticism, their alleged involvement in squad selection adds fuel to the fire. Reports suggest that the federation’s political maneuvering influenced the coach’s choices, undermining the integrity of the team and sidelining deserving players.
Despite their impressive continental record, the Super Falcons have repeatedly faltered on the international stage. With just one top-eight finish in all their World Cup appearances since 1991, questions arise about their ability to compete against the world’s best.
Nigeria’s dominance in Africa has also waned, with the team’s recent fourth-place finish in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations serving as a wake-up call. The rapid growth of women’s teams across the continent has intensified the competition, exposing the Super Falcons’ stagnation and raising doubts about their chances of success in the upcoming World Cup.
As the team sets its sights on the ultimate prize, the lingering question remains: Are the Super Falcons truly prepared to break free from their African shackles and conquer the world? Or will they once again fall short, leaving their eleven African titles as nothing more than a hollow testament to their past glory?
