African Champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria have said they are in the right mood and spirit to make a perfect start against Norway in their opening match of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Saturday in Reims, France.
One of only seven teams to have made it to every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals since the inaugural competition in 1991, the Falcons have made it out of the group stage only once previously, and that was 20 years ago.
Nigeria’s closest walk to the knockout rounds since then was Germany 2011, where they lost by the odd goal to both France and Germany and then defeated Canada by the odd goal.
Midfielder Ngozi Okobi told thenff.com <http://thenff.com>: “It is true that we have not really pulled our weight at the FIFA World Cup before now. But I can say we have the team to do that here in France.
“The NFF has done well by ensuring good preparation for the team, with the tournaments that we played.
“A lot is hanging on the first match against Norway. If we are able to get a good result, then we will take it from there.”
Head Coach Thomas Dennerby is asking his girls to take it one match at a time and develop a positive mindset about the finals.
“A positive mindset is key to what we are here for. You must believe in yourselves and have confidence in what you can do here. You must give it your best,” he told the players after yesterday’s training session at the Stade Jean Boucton in Reims. Saturday’s encounter between Nigeria and Norway starts at 8pm.
