Super Falcons forward Toni Payne was full of excitement following the team’s 8-1 demolition of the Queensland Lions in Australia in a pre-Women’s World Cup friendly on Saturday morning.
Payne, who scored a goal in the friendly, said the Falcons were ready to fight against their opponents in Group B.
Nigeria is paired alongside Olympic champions Canada, co-hosts Australia, and the Republic of Ireland, facing a tough challenge to advance from the group phase.
“I think as a team we played well, our objective is to grow and improve our system in every game and every training, I think we did that today (Saturday). Payne said, ‘Step by step, we are improving and getting prepared for our first game against Canada.
“We are very confident. With the players we have here, we are at the same level as them (Australia) and we are ready to fight.”
Barcelona Femeni star forward Asisat Oshoala bagged a brace for Nigeria in the 8-1 rout.
It was the Falcons’ first friendly since they set up camp in Gold Coast, Australia ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The Falcons dominated the game from start to finish, pinning their opponents to the back.
Ifeoma Onumonu, Halimat Ayinde, Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu and Gift Monday scored the other goals for Randy Waldrum’s side.
The Falcons had not played a friendly game before the demolition of Queensland Lions, and relieved fans sang their praises on social media following the emphatic win.
Waldrum’s squad will now focus on their opening fixture at the World Cup against Olympic champions, Canada, on Friday.
Meanwhile, group opponents and co-hosts Australia pipped European powerhouses France 1-0 in their warmup game on Friday.
Source – The Punch
