FIFAWWC: Fireworks expected as S’ Falcons vow to surprise Australia – Ebi

Super Falcons captain, Onome Ebi has reiterated the team’s desire to pick the maximum points against Australia when they meet on Thursday in the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The 40-year-old defender said the nine-time African champions have no reason to reveal their strategy for the game, but they would certainly surprise the Matildas.

“It is interesting that they have an idea of how to play us. We also have our own idea of how to play them. It is a very crucial game for us and we will throw everything we have into it.

“It is very important to us to collect the three points on Thursday. That will put us in a great position before we play the Irish.” she said.

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Speaking further with media, Ebi said the Falcons also want to earn more money in the tournament, with the sum of $60,000 to go to each player whose team attains the Round of 16, and $90,000 for any team that gets to the quarter finals. Players of teams that exit the group stage will only earn $30,000 each.

“Much more than money, it is a matter of pride. Of course, we will like the money. However, Nigeria comes first. We were in the quarter-finals in 1999 and that is a long time ago; we want to work to go far in this tournament. Last time, in France, we got to the Round of 16. We are looking beyond the group stage here,” said the veteran who is attending her sixth World Cup finals and could play her 15th match of the finals on Thursday.   

Ever-present Nigeria is the only African team to have earned a point here after their first round of matches, with other flag bearers Zambia, South Africa and Morocco being denied of any point by their respective opponents.

Australia, with three points, top Group B after the first round of matches, with Nigeria and Canada joint second with one point each.

The Falcons returned to training on Sunday evening after having Saturday off, following Friday’s draw with Canada in Melbourne, and also trained on Monday evening at the match time (8pm).