Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala is brimming with confidence, believing the Super Falcons can pull off a major upset at the Paris Olympics. Their path won’t be easy, though.
They’ve been placed in a tough group alongside powerhouses like Spain (current World Champions!), Japan, and Brazil, are all ranked within the FIFA Top 10.
This will be Oshoala’s first Olympic appearance for Nigeria, and she cherishes the opportunity to represent her country on this grand stage.
“This will be a special event,” she told FIFA. “I’ve never been to the Olympics before, but I’ve heard a lot about it. I’m looking forward to it so much – if I make the team!”
Despite being handed one of the toughest groups in the competition, Oshoala says they are not scared of either Spain, Japan, or Brazil. She believes they’re not just thinking of surviving the group but going ahead to claim a medal at the multi-sports event.
“At the World Cup last year, people said the same thing,” said Oshoala. “They said we were in the Group of Death [with Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland] and could not qualify. But we did. I have a lot of confidence in this team. We have many young players and we can make things difficult for our opponents. We don’t just think about getting out of the group, I think we can walk away with a medal.”
The 29-year-old also says she is looking forward to facing her former Barcelona teammates when the Falcons square up against Spain in their second Group C game.
“It’s going to be fun! Before the World Cup, we had this chat within ourselves on the team. We all wanted to play each other, but we didn’t get drawn into the same group. We all still keep in touch. It will be a cool experience.
“I know what I can do,” she said. “I know what I offer on and off the pitch. Even when I was on the best team in the world, I knew what I could contribute.
“I always encourage the younger ones and help them understand they can give even more. I work hard for the team and try to make sure I do my part of the business – and that way everyone takes care of their business as well.
“We’re a team that won’t stop running until we hear the whistle. That’s difficult for the opposition teams, because they can’t break us.”
