NFF boss Gusau and Edo deputy gov Shuaibu backs Falcons for World Cup glory

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau noted that the Super Falcons have won their last three matches and possess the winning mentality to be a strong force for any opposition in Australia and New Zealand.

Gusau stated this during the Send-Forth dinner held for the Nigeria senior women’s national team at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Saturday.

The dinner was organised less than 24 hours before the team was due to depart Nigeria’s shores for a 15-day training camp in Down Under before the global spectacle.

“Our belief in the Super Falcons and what they are capable of achieving informed the NFF’s decision to spare no cost in adequately preparing the team for the finals, with tournaments and matches in Japan, Mexico, and Turkey, and a 15-camping already planned in Australia before the tournament begins.” Gusau stated.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu expressed confidence that the nine times African champions will go all the way to the Championship Final, and pledged to attend the quarter-final and semi-final matches if the girls get to the latter stages.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi urged the Falcons to observe the integrity of the sport and prioritize good character on and off the field of play at the finals.

Team captain Onome Ebi, on behalf of the players, said: “We are not just going to be part of the competition, but going to break records and surpass our previous outing which was Round of 16.”

The occasion was also attended by a representative of the Accountant General of the Federation, NFF partners and sponsors, members of the diplomatic corps, business moguls, NFF management and staff, members of the Supporters Club and other football stakeholders.

 The West African superpower will face Canada, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland in a tricky group at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.