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By Peter Akinbo
Super Falcons forward Toni Payne is optimistic the former African champions can go all the way to the final the 2023 Women’s World Cup following their stunning performances in Australia.
The Nigerians advanced to the knockout stage with five points after two draws against Canada and Ireland and one victory against co-hosts Australia.
The energetic Sevilla star has been a standout performer for the Nigerians, churning out impressive numbers in their three games to help the side reach the knockout stage, after Monday’s 0-0 stalemate against Ireland.
“If we improve on each game, I think we can make it all the way to the final,” she said after the nervy encounter against the Irish in Brisbane.
When asked about the Falcons expectations before the tournament, Payne revealed that the team was fully aware of the challenges they would face in what was tagged the ‘Group of Death.’
“We knew this was going to be the ‘Group of Death,’ we knew it was going to be hard (to qualify) but we never thought it would be impossible,” the 28-year-old said.
Also, co-forward Rasheedat Ajibade is brimming with excitement as they gear up for the round of 16 next Monday.
Ajibade acknowledged the tournament was highly competitive, but expressed confidence that the Falcons were well-prepared and determined to face any opponent.
“Honestly, every game at this stage is tough. Every team has improved, so there is no pushover anymore, you have to fight until the end of the game. We played against good sides, they had good skills and technical abilities, so it is honestly not easy, but we are also up to the task. We know what comes next, and we are also ready for it,” the 23-year-old said.
Looking ahead of the round of 16, Ajibade highlighted the crucial lessons learned during the group stage and the need to address certain areas, particularly the midfield and attack, to ensure they were fully prepared to face their potential opponents in the next round.
“There are a lot of lessons we have learnt on our journey to the round of 16. There are still things we have to fix in the midfield and the attack moving forward, so we will go back to the drawing board and make sure that we develop in every area to face the next round,” the Atletico Madrid winger said.
As the Falcons brace for the high-stake clash in the round of 16, an excited nation will be eager to witness how far they can go, with one eye on the quarter-final stage, their best ever finish at the tournament achieved in 1999.