Former Super Falcons star forward, Patience Avre, has charged the team to remain focused on their mission and put behind the drama that trailed their preparations for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
After a penalty save by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnandozie, the Falcons, who finished with 10 players, held Olympic champions Canada to a 0-0 draw in their first game at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium last Friday.
Before the start of the World Cup, the Falcons were embroiled in controversies ranging from team selection, camping and match bonuses.
Aggrieved players threatened a protest and boycott of their World Cup opener after the NFF cancelled their match bonuses for the competition, following FIFA’s announcement that they will pay every player at the tournament $30,000 each.
In the wake of their agitations, Avre, who played at three World Cups for Nigeria in 1995, 1999 and 2003, said the players would have to prove themselves to the Nigeria Football Federation and Nigerians by performing well at the tournament.
“I don’t know why NFF cancelled their bonuses. These girls are going out there to make a name for themselves and for their country,” Avre told PUNCH Sports Extra.
“What I would say is that they just need to go out and put in their best. Sometimes you cannot tell and what God cannot do does not exist. I believe they will come out in flying colours and they will shock the NFF and other people that are criticising them right now.”
Following the impressive draw against Canada, the Nigerian team seems to be hitting the gears gradually, as they hope to make it to the knockout stages from Group B.
Nigeria will face co-hosts Australia on Thursday, July 27 in their second game, before playing Republic of Ireland July 31.
