Yewande Balogun hails Nigeria’s unity ahead of FIFA Women’s World Cup

The US-born goalkeeper completed her international switch to the Super Falcons in 2021 and had since become a regular face in the national team fold, served as one of the backup goalkeepers for first-choice Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Balogun was also instrumental as her French club AS Saint Etienne gained promotion to play in the French Women’s League and she is hoping to keep the same form for Nigeria at the global showpiece in July.

The 33-year-old revealed that she was looking forward to an incredible experience, representing Nigeria in New Zealand and Australia later in July.

“The World Cup is the biggest football stage in the World and every footballer wants to play in it,” Balogun said on the NTA’s Super Falcons Show.

“I have been working hard to keep fit and hopefully make the team and think my hard work will keep me going. I am particularly sure that the team has been improving and we are going to have a great time at the World Cup.

“Definitely, it’s going to be an incredible outing for the Super Falcons, we hope to progress from the group stage and go even further. We are United as a team and we will keep working towards achieving all these.”

Nigeria is drawn in Group B of the Women’s World Cup, alongside co-hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada and debutants the Republic of Ireland and the Super Falcons will launch its campaign on July 21 against Canada, before taking on co-host Australia on July 27 and then, the Republic of Ireland four days later.