Super Falcons Captain Onome Ebi has described teammate and Barcelona ace Asisat Oshoala as a blessing to the team adding that her wealth of experience will come handy when the tournament kicks off July 20 in Australia and New Zealand.
Nigeria captain Onome Ebi has said Asisat Oshoala is a ‘blessing to the team’ and expects the Barcelona forward to light up the Women’s World Cup that starts on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand.
The Super Falcons, who are multiple African champions, have been drawn in group ‘B’ where they will battle out against Canada, Ireland and hosts Australia.
Oshoala had an excellent season with Barcelona. She missed the Africa Cup of Nations through injury but is expected to lead Nigeria’s forward line.
In an interview with Cafonline, Ebi said: “It’s a blessing to have her in this team. She is a great professional and an example for the whole team. Her performance at club level is incredible. Many people forget that few months ago she was injured and today she is up on the pitch putting up huge performances both in the local league and the Champions League”.
She added: “She is one of the best players in the world and speaking to her, she is also hugely waiting for the World Cup and has already set her targets for the tournament. She is doing everything she can to be on top form”.
Ebi added that the Super Falcons will have to put aside their dismal performance at the Cup of Nations and be ready physically and mentally for the tournament.
She said: “Our ambition, definitely, is to do our best. We approach this World Cup with the mindset of performing to our utmost best and conquering. We didn’t perform well in the Cup of Nations but the World Cup has offered an an opportunity to make amends.
“The ball is in our court as players and we have to do everything to be on fire physically and mentally for this opportunity,” she added.
With regards to preparation, the skipper said: “We are focusing on improving on all fronts; from defense to attack. We have to muster the small details which we don’t want to miss and also, we don’t want to repeat mistakes that we have had in the past”
Nigeria are in a difficult group. Reigning champions Canada look formidable once again.
“We have faced Canada twice before, losing one and drawing one. However, we haven’t played against the rest of our opponents. Australia, playing at home, would be a tough match but we will put our best foot forward”.
