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By Peter Akinbo
Nigerian defender Osinachi Ohale has charged the Super Falcons to be more clinical in front of goal when they face co-hosts Australia in their second group B game at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Falcons kicked off their campaign at the Mundial with a 0-0 draw against Olympic champions, Canada.
Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie turned the heroine of the match played in Brisbane after saving Christine Sinclair’s penalty early in the second half to keep the scores level and ensure the Falcons take an important point from the first game.
“It was a very difficult game, we knew it was going to be difficult and we prepared. From the first 15 minutes, it was difficult for us to get our rhythm and we dropped deeper than we should have. Later, we found our feet and we started stepping up and the rest is history,” Ohale said in the post-match press conference.
“It is our first game and some mistakes are bound to happen. We will go back, watch the game, see where we can improve on and improve on them.”
The Deportivo Alavés player then said that they will need to work on their finishing ahead of their match against Australia on Thursday, July 27.
“We will have to go back and work on making use of chances because it is going to be crucial and important in the next game (vs Australia). It was tight today and we should have gotten the three points but now we have to go back and continue to work on utilising our chances,” the 31-year-old said.
Regarding the team’s aspirations for the remainder of the competition, Ohale confirmed their determination to take each game step by step, highlighting the importance of the next two fixtures.
“We know we are still in the game so now we have to work on our next two games. They are still important games and we still have a long way to go but we will try to take it one game at a time.
“We can go all the way, it is a football game, you cannot write yourself or your team out, we are here to play football, we are here to compete just like other teams and we will take it one game at a time,” Ohale said.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Deborah Abiodun who made her mark on her first senior Women’s World Cup match expressed disappointment in receiving a late red card.
“It’s a dream come true to start in my first senior Women’s World Cup match. I’m happy and honoured by the privilege. A bit disappointed my debut ended the way it did. I’m sorry. Overall, I’m grateful for the chance and proud of my team today. Thanks for your support always,” the midfielder said.
As the Falcons look ahead to their future matches, the nation’s hopes remain high, fueled by the determination to compete at the highest level of women’s football and make their mark on the global stage.