FIFA Women World Cup: Onome, Oshoala trash match boycott insinuations

Captain of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, Onome Ebi has denied a story by a leading Nigerian newspaper (which is being circulated widely) that the nine-time African champions are threatening to boycott their FIFA Women’s World Cup opening game against Canada in Melbourne on Friday, July 21.

“I have no idea where that (boycott) is coming from. We (the players) never had any such conversations as regards that; we are good with training and ready for the World Cup,” Ebi told thenff.com at the team’s training camp in Gold Coast, Australia on Saturday morning.

The hard-as-nails defender, who is featuring in her sixth FIFA World Cup finals, added that the team’s training sessions have been intense but interesting, as they look forward to their Group B encounters against Olympic champions Canada, co-hosts Australia and debutants Republic of Ireland.

“The sessions have been intense, motivating, and okay. The girls are in good shape, in good spirits, and ready to go. The training speaks for itself as regards the mood in camp because this is what I bargained for.

“The players are meeting up with physical and tactical aspects of training; the mood is okay.”

Also, Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala has expressed her confidence in the team’s ability to make the country proud.

The Nigerian star has revealed to Nigerians that Randy Waldrum’s girls are going to make the country proud and dish out their 100 percent performance.

The Super Falcons, who have a remarkable record of 11 Africa Women Cup of Nations titles, have been drawn in a challenging group alongside Canada, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. Their opening match is set against the reigning Olympic champions, Canada, on July 21st.

Waldrum and the Nigeria Football Federation have been at odds over unpaid salaries, and there is another rumour that the Super Falcons are considering a boycott due to bonuses.

However, prior to the drama, the four-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year reassured Nigerians that the team would give it their all to get the best results, but asked for their support in advance.

“Please, and please, come rain, come sun, stay put with the Super Falcons. We are going to make you proud, and we are going to put in one hundred percent effort, and that’s a promise. We are going to play our hearts out there every time we get the opportunity. But please, we need your support.

“Whatever happens, whatever goes wrong, it is the support that would help the team get better in the next game. So we need your support, and we promise to make you proud,” she said.