By Abiodun Adewale
Nigerians have charged the Super Falcons to aim higher at the ongoing 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after the team stunned co-hosts Australia 3-2 in their second group game on Thursday.
US-based duo Uchenna Kanu and Osinachi Ohale and Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala were the Falcons goal scorers as Nigeria came back from a goal down to take control of Group B with four points.
Randy Waldrum’s side had held Canada to a goalless draw in their first game last Friday.
“We did it in Brisbane. We bagged our first win, beating 10th world ranked team and co-hosts (Australia) to go top of Group B on superior goals, with four points from two games. Thanks Nigerians, world over,” a post on the team’s Twitter page read after the game.
It was the fifth World Cup win for the Falcons in a combined 28 games at the tournament having qualified for every edition since 1991.
Waldrum’s side seem to have left behind their shaky preparation for the tournament, but fans are cautioning them not to get carried away in order to surpass the best finish of a quarter-final spot, which they achieved in 1999.
“It’s too early to put that kind of pressure on them. Let’s take one game at a time. Beautiful scenes. Proud of you ladies. Enjoy it while it lasts. Hopefully you guys achieve beyond our expectations. Congratulations to the super falcons,” @gintokky stated on Twitter.
Another fan, aydon225 wrote, “I’m so happy for you all, but it’s just one game. Let’s stay focused on the upcoming games. Not time to celebrate yet. #SoarSuperFalcons.”
“We still have Ireland. Maximum focus play like it’s a final,” @Sydo11 also wrote.
Others praised the former African champions for the hard-fought win.
“Unforgettable. Unbelievable. We travelled across the world and silenced Australia. This feeling will last for a long time,” Kolade Omole wrote.
“And in this tournament, you are making history again, taking a point from a seventh ranked team (Canada) and beating the co-hosts country ranked 10th to go top of Group B. You girls are simply amazing. Super Falcons all the way. Keep soaring girls,” a user @Phenri77 wrote.
Nigeria is the only African country to win a game at the tournament and another user, @NamexTechnocrat also tipped the team to shoulder Africa’s hope at the tournament.
“We are all with you. Make us proud. Morocco did it for the male World Cup, I’m convinced that Falcons will do it for the female World Cup. Semi-final way. God did.”
Currently ranked 40th in the world, Nigeria are the third-best team on paper in the group, but they are currently on top of the table with four points, while Canada are second with the same number of points. Australia have three points and the Irish are bottom of the table after two defeats.
Nigeria only need a draw in their last game against the already eliminated Republic of Ireland to advance to the round of 16.
