The African champions, Super Falcons of Nigeria, understand they will celebrate another FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket tonight at the end of their quarterfinal clash with the Lionesses of Cameroon, in Casablanca.
A semi-final placing ensures a place in next year’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Cameroon will come into today’s clash seeking a third consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
A 2-1 loss at the hands of South Africa in Nigeria’s opening match last week Monday, relatively dimmed the shine of the Super Falcons, but they rose stoutly to the circumstance and won their other two matches against Botswana and Burundi on their way to the last-eight.
Cameroon also began somewhat slowly, drawing with Zambia, But they picked up impressively and their dividend is what is the most expected quarterfinal tie at this tournament.
Both countries flew Africa’s flag at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Canada, and at the last edition in France three years ago, but Nigeria is untouchable, being one of only six countries on the earth to have participated in all eight editions of the quadrennial global showpiece.
“We are ready to face Cameroon,” said Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum, after his Super Falcons arrived in Morocco’s commercial and economic capital, Casablanca, on Monday earlier of today’s encounter.
Today’s scene in Casablanca is expected to be fierce, but Nigeria captain Onome Ebi says the Falcons are up for the challenge.
“Of course, we know what to expect. The Cameroonians also want to go to the World Cup. But we have never missed the World Cup and we won’t begin now. Our eyes are fully concentrated on Australia and New Zealand 2023, and then we can start talking about the cup,” she said.
Forwards Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu, on two goals each, are determined to start against Cameroon, with Coach Waldrum also hoping to keep faith with most of the crew that decimated Burundi in Rabat on Sunday night.
The kick-off time is 6:00 PM Nigerian time.