Nigeria forward Gift Monday has stated that the Super Falcons are ready to face Canada when both sides meet at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in their 2023 FFIA Women’s World Cup Group B opener on Friday morning.
The Falcons will be hoping to exceed going past the quarter-finals which is their best finish at the Mundial, set during the 1999 edition in the United States. They lost to Brazil via the golden goal on that occasion and the closest they have come since then is the Round of 16 during the 2019 World Cup in France, losing 3-0 to Germany.
There are however bigger expectations for the 2023 edition which has already gotten underway in Australia and New Zealand and Monday, who will be making her tournament debut, is hoping to be part of that attempt to break the 24-year jinx.
“I feel really happy and honoured to be a part of the Super Falcons to participate in the women’s World Cup. I’m grateful to God for this opportunity,” she told Afrosport.
“Preparations are going well, the team is excited and ready to go.
“My expectation for the Falcons is to have a great outing and I pray we exceed the position we got to in the last World Cup.”
Afrosport quizzed Gift if she has any idol at this World Cup as a number of veterans with a wealth of experience such as Nigeria skipper Onome Ebi, Brazil’s Marta, Canada’s Christine Sinclair and Germany’s Alexandra Popp, are present in Australia and New Zealand.
Monday did not give a specific name saying: “Every player is an idol. They might not be my idol but I want to play against them if possible.”
Watch Nigeria ???????? vs Canada ???????? Group B opener at the #FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 on #AfrosportTV, channel 730 on Free TV, or stream for FREE via https://t.co/LaTZ61vQk4#FIFAWWC #FIFAWomensWorldCup #Nigeria #SuperFalcons #NGA #CAN pic.twitter.com/jSUca2rp1I
— AfroSport (@AfroSportTV) July 20, 2023
The UDG Tenerife player left a message for fans that will be cheering the Super Falcons in the early hours of Friday morning when they take on Canada and for the rest of the tournament.
“To all Super Falcons fans, I really appreciate your love, it’s not going to be easy but with your constant support, the team’s energy and morale will be doubled.
“Please so don’t give up on us, we’re ready to give our best to put smiles on the country’s face.”
WATCH NIGERIA VS CANADA LIVE ON AFROSPORT TV ACROSS NIGERIA, CHANNEL 730 ON FREE TV OR STREAM ONLINE VIA VIDIVU TV.
