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FIFAWWC: ‘England is beatable like Australia’ — NFF President Ibrahim Gusau
By Monsurah Olatunji in Brisbane
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau has revealed that the federation is solidly behind Nigeria to succeed at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Despite being the lowest-ranked team, the Super Falcons reached the Round of 16 after finishing second in Group B behind co-hosts Australia with an unbeaten record, edging the Olympic champions Canada, and Europeans Ireland.
Following their progression to the knockout stage for the third time in country’s history, they have been rewarded with a tougher test against world ranked number four, England in their Round of 16 match of ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand on Monday August 7, at the Brisbane Stadium.
Nigeria will go on to match its 1999 record by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time after 24 years and Gusau is optimistic that the Super Falcons’ fine run will not end when they face the Three Lionesses in the knockout stage.
“The Super Falcons ranked number 40 in the world, emerged from Group B ahead of better-ranked teams,” Gusau told CompleteSports.
“Though, not many believed that we would emerge from the ‘group of death’ we at the NFF were confident that the team would progress because of the kind of long-term preparations we gave them.
“England is beatable like the Australians, but Falcons must take advantage of any opportunity that comes their way on Monday in Brisbane.
“Against Ireland, the girls were conservative because they needed just a draw to qualify. But against England, the game plan will be different. They will play to win and reach the last eight.
“On our part, we shall motivate and give the team all the support they need to beat England. The Super Falcons’ journey at the World Cup will not end with the match against England.
“I spoke to the team handlers and their optimism of victory will, hopefully, rub off on the girls.”
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