Experienced striker Chinwendu Ihezuo has acknowledged that the Super Falcons are well aware of the tough road ahead in their bid to clinch a record 10th title at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. She noted that the Chris Madugu-led squad is prepared to face every challenge head-on as they stay focused on achieving their tournament objectives.
The Super Falcons began their WAFCON 2024 campaign on a high note with a convincing 3-0 victory over Tunisia on Sunday in Casablanca. Ihezuo was on the scoresheet alongside Asisat Oshoala and Rinsola Babajide. For their second group match, the team will return to the familiar Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca tomorrow (July 10), determined to secure another three points and move a step closer to the knockout stage.
“ My expectations is to do great and make Nigerians proud and happy over our performance at this WAFCON in Morocco,” the lithe Femenil Club Pachuca striker told NationSport.“ I don’t think (gunning for a 10th title) is an additional pressure for us.
“ The most important thing is for us to work together as a team and I believe we will get to the top.”
Despite the heart-warming opening victory against Tunisia, the 2018 WAFCON winner, said the Super Eagles are not going to underrate any team but would rather work on their own game to be in tip-top shape throughout the tournament.
“ From what we have seen, all the teams participating in this tournament is super good but with our collective hard work and dedication, we will come up with good results ,” the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Silver Boot winner noted. “ No doubt, all teams the here for this WAFCON in Morocco are good, we just need to work together and break the obstacles.”
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Aside participating at the U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2012, Ihezuo who was also in the mix wen Nigeria clinched the Silver at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada, enthused about the joy of representing the country at international championships time and again.
“Apart from winning the WAFCON in 2018, I’ve had other good moments with the Super Falcons,” she said. “I’ve also participated at the FIFA Women’s World Cup (France 2019) as well as the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament (Paris 2024).
“It has been a great honor and privilege for which I’m very grateful as such, it is always my expectations to do my best with the team.”
Pressed to comment on the revolving Super Falcons’ coaching doors, the vastly-travelled striker said she has no qualms with the current technical set-up of the senior women’s national team.
Coach Madugu is a good coach like other coaches that I have worked with in the Super Falcons,” she volunteered. “Every coach has his or her own tactics and I think the overall objective is to help the team in one way or the other in order to achieve success.”
