As the Nigeria Football Federation President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, shares his words of encouragement, the pressure is on the Super Falcons to “keep Africa’s hope alive” when they face co-hosts Australia in their second match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals on Thursday.

The game will get underway at 11 a.m. Nigerian time.

Amidst the first round of matches, Nigeria stands out as the only African team that has not experienced defeat yet. With their illustrious history as nine-time champions of Africa and being one of the seven countries to have participated in every edition of the Women’s World Cup, Nigeria carries the mantle of African football on their shoulders in Australia.

While other African teams like Morocco, Zambia, and South Africa look to turn their fortunes around in their upcoming matches, Gusau urged the Super Falcons to keep their focus firmly on the task at hand. Their impressive performance against Canada in the opening match should be put aside, and the sole focus should be on securing three points against Australia.

Gusau acknowledged the challenge ahead but firmly believes that the Super Falcons can overcome it. With their talent and determination, he urges the team to give their all on the field and score goals, demonstrating the true spirit of African football.

“As nine-time champions of Africa, and one of only seven countries to have played in every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nigeria is the real giant and hope of the African continent in Australia. While we expect Morocco, Zambia and South Africa to turn things around in their next matches, my message is that the Super Falcons must focus hard on the ball against the Australians in order to keep Africa’s song going.

“We had an impressive game against Canada, but I want the girls to put that feat out of their minds and focus on the three points against Australia. It can be done,” Gusau said.

He added: “I am charging the girls to go all out. This is a match in which we need to score goals.”

The defeats suffered by Zambia, South Africa, and Morocco in their first-round matches serve as a reminder of the tough competition they face. However, this presents an opportunity for the Super Falcons to inspire and uplift the entire African continent with their performance against Australia.

As the stage is set for this crucial encounter, Nigerian football fans and supporters across Africa eagerly await the Super Falcons’ match against Australia, hoping that they can rise to the occasion and make Africa proud on the global stage. The FIFA Women’s World Cup promises excitement and drama, and the Super Falcons have a chance to leave a lasting impact as they strive to keep Africa’s song of football alive.