National Teams
Esther Okoronkwo: Super Falcons Ready to Handle Pressure of Defending WAFCON Crown
Nigeria forward Esther Okoronkwo has declared that Nigeria are determined to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, insisting the team’s mentality and unity will be crucial to achieving both objectives.
The AFC Toronto attacker, who starred in Nigeria’s historic 10th continental triumph by finishing as the tournament’s leading assist provider, said the Super Falcons are embracing the pressure that comes with being African champions and are fully focused on making more history.
“We want to repeat history and win it again. It is always good to win back-to-back titles,” Okoronkwo told CAFOnline.com.
“There is pressure, but we want to retain the trophy. My role is to help the team, just as I expect the other ten players on the field to do.
“Attitude and mentality will play a huge part. As long as we all have the right attitude and mentality, we will be fine. There will always be pressure. What matters is how we handle it as a team.”
Looking beyond continental success, the 28-year-old emphasized that qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup remains Nigeria’s primary objective, acknowledging that competition for Africa’s qualification places will be fierce.
“Qualification for the World Cup is the ultimate goal. Every other country will also fight for one of the four qualification places. It will be an exciting and significant tournament, and I am looking forward to it,” she added.