Onome Ebi debunks Nigeria’s Women’s World Cup boycott rumour

Nigeria captain, Onome Ebi has debunked reports about plans to boycott their Women’s World Cup opener against Canada on July 21 in Melbourne.

Randy Waldrum’s side are in Group B with Olympic champions Canada, co-hosts Australia, and debutants Republic of Ireland, for the global showpiece co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.

However, their preparation has been rocked by disagreements between manager Waldrum and his employers the NFF as well questions about the whereabouts of the $96000 grant given to NFF last October by FIFA to prepare the team for the Women’s World Cup.

Following a war of words, there was a report about the Falcons reportedly planning to boycott their opening game against Canada on July 21 in Australia.

However, five-time FIFA World Cup veteran defender, 40, has declared no plans to boycott the match, stressing about the team’s good spirits and togetherness in the camp.

“I have no idea where that (boycott) is coming from. We (the players) never had any such conversations as regards that; we are good with training and ready for the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” Ebi told NFF TV.

“The sessions have been intense, motivating, and okay,” she added.

“The girls are in good shape, in good spirit, and ready to go. The training speaks for itself as regards the mood in camp because this is what I bargained for.

“The players are meeting up with physical and tactical aspects of training; the mood is okay.”