Super Falcons hope to soar again at the Games

MIHLALI BALEKA

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will return to the Olympics for the first time in 16 years at the Games in Paris that start this month, hoping to do better than their quarter-final finish from two decades ago.

The Super Falcons have been the team to beat on the African continent, winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown a record-extending 11 times. They’ve also been Africa’s flag bearers on the global stage, finishing as quarter-finalists at the 1999 World Cup and 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

That defeat to Germany in the 2004 Olympics probably still stings because the Super Falcons scored first. But fast-forward 20 years and the Super Falcons are returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2008 high on confidence.

They are arguably the best in Africa at the moment, having eliminated arch-rivals and reigning African queens South Africa in the last Olympic qualifier. And thanks to a squad largely boasting overseas-based players, coach Randy Waldrum hasn’t been short of talent amid eventualities such as injuries.

One of the players who’s been an integral figure for the team is Jennifer “Joe” Onyinyechi Echegini, who’s looking forward to representing her country once again.

“I am really excited to be part of such a big tournament – to wear the Nigerian colours is always an honour,” said Echegini, in a clip on the Super Falcons’ social media pages.

Echegini’s inclusion in Waldrum’s final 22-member squad for the Olympics comes after her recent move to French giants Paris Saint-German from Juventus.

“I am very excited but kind of nervous at the same (time),” Echegini said of her move to PSG. “Obviously, they are good team, though I don’t really know what to expect for now.

“I am obviously expecting a challenge. I am ready that. So, after the tournament that’s where I will be going, so I am really excited for that as well.”

The Super Falcons have already been hard at work in the past few days preparing for the Olympics, including hosting their pre-tournament camp in Spain.

The home of the current world champions is a familiar place for forward Toni Payne, who plays for La Liga F club Sevilla.

“The fact that it’s in Spain (the camp), I have been able to practise a little bit on my Spanish,” Payne said in a clip on social media.

“The training camp has been going really well. I feel very comfortable here, although it’s a bit hot – I think this is the perfect place to get us ready for the Olympic Games.”

The Super Falcons are set to face Brazil in their first game at the Olympics. They’ll host Canada in their last friendly today, behind closed doors.

Payne said she is “definitely” feeling the Olympic buzz.

“As the team is getting together, obviously being at the World Cup was an amazing experience. Being able to compete again at the world stage with this team, it’s such a good opportunity. So, I am really excited.

“Brazil are going to be a tough team as they are really talented. But I think us, Nigeria, we are at the level so we can get a good result. It’s going to be a good match against them.”