Leann Johnston, Charge d’Affaires, Australian High Commission in Nigeria, has organised a farewell reception for Nigeria’s Super Falcons, wishing them success as they head to Australia for the FIFA Women’s World Cup (FWWC).

At the reception held at the Australian High Commission in Abuja, Johnston said Australia and New Zealand are delighted to be hosting the tournament, which shows both countries’ commitments to promoting women’s sports.

She said the reception is also to celebrate some remarkable milestones and consistency of the Nigerian team, whose participation in the 2023 FWWC will be their ninth appearance.

“This tournament will see an expansion to 32 teams as well as a huge increase in total prize money.

“This competition is $110 million against 2019 when it was only $30 million, so that is a huge increase for women’s sports. This adds to the viability and professionalism of women’s sports.

“For too long, men’s football has overshadowed women’s sports. We are proud to say that it is finally changing and that we are a part of that change.

“And I have been asked already who am I going to support, and it is such a difficult answer, and I am going to be a true diplomat and say, Football is going to be the winner on the day,” Johnston said.

Ismaila Abubakar, permanent secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, appreciated the Australian High Commission for honouring the Nigerian team to a reception.

He urged the Super Falcons to do their best to win the tournament, as Nigerians count on them.

Captain of the Super Falcon, Onome Ebi, said her team would participate in the tournament and win.

“We have passed that phase of just going to participate; we are going there to make records, to surpass our previous outing, which is round 16,” Ebi said.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will begin on July 20.

Nigeria’s opening World Cup match will hold against Canada on July 21.

They are in World Cup Group B with Australia, Ireland, and Canada. 

(NAN)