FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP: FALCONS AMBUSH AUSTRALIA IN MAKE OR MAR GAME:VIEW;

BY MONICA IHEAKAM

Africa’s pride, Super Falcons will take bold steps today, as they return to World Cup action against the Matildas of Australia in a make or mar match to earn a spot in the knock out stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.The pressure and expectation to rewrite the tag ‘underdogs’ spurred the Nigerian girls to jostle the world to attention with their stunning come back against Sweden that earned them a priceless point in the 3-3 thriller against Sweden.Judging by ranking, Australia, ranked 10th in the world has the edge over the African Champions ranked 33rd by FIFA and boasts of their core squad that made it to the quarter final in 2011.

Buoyed by their performance four days ago, Falcons will come into today’s game with the gusto, determination and confidence required to further disarm the Australians who are yet to pick a point in the tournament. With a plethora of vibrant teens and young adults, Nigeria definitely will have to dig in deeper in their attack to push the Aussies to breaking point to snatch the needed 3 points at stake.

Set piece had been a major problem to the Nigerians .It is expected that the Coach Edwin Okon tutored attackers will explore taking shots at goal to rattle goalkeeper Melissa Barberi drafted into the Matildas due to the absence of their long time number one choice keeper, Brianna Davey.

While everyone is expecting an improvement against Australia, Captain, Evelyn Nwabuoku and teammate Francesca Ordega expressed their determination to build on the performance against Sweden.“After the display against Sweden, teams are now scared of us but that is not enough; we just have to work on our shortcomings also.

 I appeal to our fans to keep supporting us and praying for us because I am hundred percent sure that we will defeat Australia,” Nwabuoku said.

Ordega who scored the crucial equalizer for the Falcons reflected on what could be better.“Australia is a good side and play good football, coupled with experience but I believe we will come out victorious today. Nigerians should expect more goals from me because I want Nigerians to be happy.

My goal before coming for the World Cup is to score goals for my team and I believe I am working towards it. Come Friday, Nigerians should expect victory, nothing short of three points,” Ordega said.