By LIZZY OKOJI

Ms Leann Johnston, Charge d’Affaires, Australian High Commission in Nigeria at the weekend 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).

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

She said that the reception is also a way of celebrating some remarkable milestones and consistency of the Nigerian team which their participation in the 2023 FWWC will be their ninth appearance.

“Australia is committed to gender equality, and sports plays an important role in promoting the visibility and talents of women.

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

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

“It is important that women’s accomplishments are recognized in all fields, including sports.

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

“So, we want to celebrate some remarkable milestones for the Nigerian women.

“This would be the ninth appearance of Nigeria at the FIFIA Women’s World Cup, that is a huge achievement.

“And remarkably of course, this would be the sixth appearance by captain Onome, this is a rare feat and huge testament to your talent and leadership in sports. So we look forward to watching the game against Australia.

“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.

Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports Development appreciated the Australian High Commission for honoring the Nigeria team to a reception.

Abubakar said that the event is also a way of strengthening relations between both countries.

He urged the Super Falcons to put in their best to win the tournament as Nigerians are counting on them.

“I want to congratulate the Super Falcons for the hard work and commitment that you have shown which enabled you to qualify for this tournament.

“I am glad to say that today’s event will no doubt spur the super falcons to win whichever match comes their way.

“I have confidence in them and I am sure Nigerians do. So please, you have to be mindful of the face that over 250 million Nigerians will be glued to their television sets therefore, this responsibility is resting on your shoulders, you must not let us down.

“I must thank the Australian High Commission for this wonderful reception. It is my prayer that the relationship between Nigeria and Australia will continue to wax stronger so that the two countries will benefit from this relationship,” Abubakar said.

Captain of the Super Falcon, Onome Ebi said that her team was not just going to participate in the tournament but to win.

“I want to fist say thank you for the reception.

“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.

“And I believe that by the grace of God, the hard work of mt team mates and technical crew, the Nigerian Football Federation, we are going to make Nigeria proud,” Ebi said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will begin on July 20.

NAN reports that Nigeria has participated in every Women’s World Cup, and their greatest showing was in 1999 when they advanced to the quarterfinals.

They lost to Germany 3-0 in the last 16 four years ago, but they are confident going into the competition in Australia and New Zealand.

Asisat Oshoala of Barcelona, who scored 21 goals in Spain’s Primera Division this season, and Rasheedat Ajibade of Atletico Madrid, a talented starlet who is poised to earn their debuts in the summer, are both seasoned members of the Nigerian team.

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

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

•PHOTO: R-L; Ms Lean Johnston, Charge d’ Affaires of the Australian High Commission, Abuja with Alhaji ISmaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development at a farewell reception organised for the Super Falcons by the Australian High Commission in Abuja

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