ABUJA, Nigeria – As Nigeria’s Super Falcons gear up for their second group stage match against Australia at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, they have received a morale boost from an unlikely quarter – the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Under Randy Waldrum’s stewardship, the Falcons will face the co-hosts in the Brisbane Stadium on Thursday, July 27, 2023, following their commendable 0-0 stalemate with Canada in their opening match.
The Matildas’ opponents come into the game off a narrow 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.
Expressing her support, Okonjo-Iweala took to Twitter on Sunday, July 23, 2023, celebrating the team’s impressive draw against Canada and encouraging them to take a step further in their upcoming match against Australia.
Hello Super Falcons! Congratulations on an incredible effort in your draw with Canada. Wishing you the best in the upcoming Australia match up!!!
— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) July 23, 2023
“Hello Super Falcons! Congratulations on an incredible effort in your draw with Canada. Wishing you the best in the upcoming Australia match up!!!,’’ Okonjo-Iweala tweeted, her words a welcome show of solidarity for the national side.
Okonjo-Iweala’s backing adds to the wave of support the Super Falcons have received both at home and from Nigerians abroad, who remain hopeful that the team can overcome the Matildas to strengthen their chances of progressing in the tournament.
As the Falcons prepare for their crucial match against Australia, Okonjo-Iweala’s support signifies the importance of the game, not just for the players on the field, but for millions of Nigerians watching at home and around the world, hopeful for a Super Falcons victory.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons Climb 2 Spots in Latest FIFA Women’s Rankings
Nigeria’s Super Falcons moved up two places in the latest women’s FIFA (Federation of International Football Association) ranking.
As per the most recent ranking published on FIFA’s official website on Friday, June 9, 2023, the Super Falcons have now ascended from the 42nd to the 40th position.
This ranking comes as the final announcement before the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is set to kick-off in July and will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The progress comes as a morale booster for the team as they prepare to take on the world’s best in the forthcoming competition.
Under the guidance of their coach, Randy Waldrum, the Super Falcons have maintained their position as the top-ranked team in Africa, reflecting their consistent performance on the continent.
The team is not alone in carrying the African banner in the women’s World Cup.
South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia will also represent the continent at this global football event, making it a robust representation for Africa.
Fans of the Super Falcons and keen observers of women’s football rankings will have to wait until August 25, 2023, for the next FIFA women’s ranking update.
The Nigerian team and their supporters will be hoping that the team’s World Cup performance will further boost their global standing.
