Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances of capturing a 12th title at the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations which begins next month in Morocco.
Nigeria are in Group D alongside South Africa, Botswana and Burundi. On July 4, they will kick off their campaign against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat.
Ebi expects a tough challenge in Morocco, but the veteran defender is adamant that the Falcons aim to retain the women’s title and qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We are aware of the intense competition that is going to play out there in Morocco. We have no illusions,” the 39-year-old said.
“Women’s football has continued to grow in a lot of other African nations, faster than anyone can imagine. So, there will be nothing like under-rating any team. All the teams will be upbeat about their chances and winning tickets to the World Cup.”
CAF canceled the 2020 edition of the AWCON owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nigeria won the previous one in 2018. Ebi continued:
“On our part, as defending champions, we know our strengths. We know what we have to bring to the pitch to conquer. The wise thing always is to take it one match at a time.
“We go up first against the Banyana, and then we have to face the challenges of Botswana and Burundi. Then, the knock-out rounds. A World Cup ticket is paramount, but we also want to retain our trophy.”
The AWCON’s final four teams will automatically qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand next year.
