Falcons admit desire for more money, eager to face Australia
Nigeria’s captain, Onome Ebi, revealed that the nine-time African champions have a strong motivation to secure a victory against Australia on Thursday, as they seek to earn more money from the tournament, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Ebi, who missed the goalless draw with Canada, expressed her determination to play a significant role in the upcoming encounter and believes that the Falcons will adopt a more adventurous approach against the Matildas at Lang Park.
“It is interesting that they have an idea of how to play against us,” Ebi told thenff.com.
READ ALSO: Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons kick off with impressive draw against Canada
“We also have our own strategy to face them (Australia). This is a crucial game for us, and we will give it our all.”
“Collecting three points on Thursday is of utmost importance to us. It will put us in a great position before we play against Ireland.”
Given that the championship now hosts 32 teams, only the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout rounds, where more substantial financial rewards await the players.
Ebi emphasized that the Falcons are eager to earn more money in the tournament, with each player receiving $60,000 if their team reaches the round of 16, and $90,000 if they make it to the quarter-finals. Players of teams that exit the group stage will receive $30,000 each.
“More than just the money, it is a matter of pride. Of course, we would appreciate the financial rewards. However, Nigeria comes first. We reached the quarter-finals in 1999, and that was a long time ago; we aim to go far in this tournament.”
“In the previous edition in France, we made it to the round of 16. Our goal now is to progress beyond the group stage,” Ebi stated determinedly.
A victory for the Falcons would significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the round of 16 – a feat they achieved in the last edition in France.
On the other hand, a win for Australia would take them to six points and all but guarantee them a place in the round of 16, setting the stage for their much-anticipated clash with Olympic champions, Canada.
The Falcons are the only African team to have earned a point in the Women’s World Cup after the first round of matches. Other African representatives, Zambia, South Africa, and Morocco, were unable to secure any points against their respective opponents.
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