Women’s World Cup: Australian Envoy hosts Super Falcons to farewell reception

Ms. Leann Johnston, Charge d’Affaires, Australian High Commission in Nigeria, organized a farewell reception for Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the weekend, wishing them success as they head to Australia for the FIFA Women’s World Cup (FWWC).

Johnston said at the reception held at the Australian High Commission in Abuja that Australia and New Zealand are delighted to be hosting the tournament, which shows both countries commitments to promoting women’s sports.

She said that the reception is also a way of celebrating some remarkable milestones and the consistency of the Nigerian team, whose participation in the 2023 FWWC will be their ninth appearance.

“Australia is committed to gender equality, and sports play an important role in promoting the visibility and talents of women.

“This tournament will see an expansion to 32 teams as well as a huge increase in total prize money.

“This competition is 110 million dollars against 2019, when it was only 30 million dollars, so that is a huge increase for women’s sports. This adds to the viability and professionalism of women’s sports.

“It is important that women’s accomplishments are recognized in all fields, including sports.

“For too long, men’s football has overshadowed women’s sports. We are proud to say that things are finally changing, and we are proud that we are a part of that change.

“So, we want to celebrate some remarkable milestones for Nigerian women.

“This would be the ninth appearance of Nigeria at the FIFIA Women’s World Cup; that is a huge achievement.

“And remarkably, of course, this would be the sixth appearance by captain Onome; this is a rare feat and a huge testament to your talent and leadership in sports. So we look forward to watching the game against Australia.

“And I have been asked already who I am going to support, and it is such a difficult answer, and I am going to be a true diplomat and say, Football is going to be the winner on the day,” Johnston said.

Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports Development appreciated the Australian High Commission for honoring the Nigeria team to a reception.

Abubakar said that such an event is also a way of strengthening relations between both countries.

He urged the Super Falcons to put in their best to win the tournament, as Nigerians are counting on them.

“I want to congratulate the Super Falcons for the hard work and commitment that you have shown,, which enabled you to qualify for this tournament.

“I am glad to say that today’s event will no doubt spur the Super Falcons to win whichever match comes their way.

“I have confidence in them, and I am sure Nigerians do. So please, you have to be mindful of the fact that over 250 million Nigerians will be glued to their television sets; therefore, this responsibility is resting on your shoulders; you must not let us down.

“I must thank the Australian High Commission for this wonderful reception. It is my prayer that the relationship between Nigeria and Australia will continue to wax stronger so that the two countries will benefit from this relationship,” Abubakar said.

Captain of the Super Falcon, Onome Ebi, said that her team was not just going to participate in the tournament but to win.

“I want to first say thank you for the reception.

“We have passed that phase of just going to participate; we are going there to make records and surpass our previous outing,,, which was round 16.

“And I believe that by the grace of God, the hard work of my teammates and technical crew, and the Nigerian Football Federation, we are going to make Nigeria proud,” Ebi said.

SupremeNews reports that the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will begin on July 20.

Supreme News reports that Nigeria has participated in every Women’s World Cup, and their greatest showing was in 1999 when they advanced to the quarterfinals.

They lost to Germany 3-0 in the last 16 four years ago, but they are confident going into the competition in Australia and New Zealand.

Asisat Oshoala of Barcelona, who scored 21 goals in Spain’s Primera Division this season, and Rasheedat Ajibade of Atletico Madrid, a talented starlet who is poised to earn his debut in the summer, are both seasoned members of the Nigerian team.

Nigeria’s opening World Cup match will take place against Canada on July 21.

They are in World Cup Group B with Australia, Ireland, and Canada.