As the final whistle sounded, Nigeria’s excitement was infectious as they deservedly went crazy celebrating their 3-2 win over host nation Australia in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Their bench was immediately on their feet and sprinting onto the pitch to embrace their players, as the cheers of 47,000 spectators sung out.
With so much to celebrate who was to dare stop the Super Falcons after they marked their first win at the 2023 tournament, their first ever come-from-behind win at any World Cup, and they now have the first African player to score in three separate Women’s World Cups; Asisat Oshoala.
Head coach, Randy Waldrum, said that their passion didn’t waiver even after they’d left the field and he tried to speak to them in the locker room.
“I think they’re still singing and dancing right now, I can’t get in there and get a word in edgewise. Obviously, an amazing feeling for us,” he said.
The reaction to their hard work on the pitch speaks volumes for the type of culture the group has built going into the tournament.
It’s not just set pieces and football knowledge Waldrum is trying to build, but the team mentality as well.
“We’ve talked about believing in each other and the strength of our success is going to be in the unity of the team, and to think that we’ve come in here and gotten two results out of two top teams says a lot to not only our ability but just the heart and competitive desire that the team has,” Waldrum said.
During the match Nigeria had just 11 shots on goal to the hosts 26 and defended 15 corners of which only one resulted in a goal for Australia.
Osinachi Ohale was one player who stepped up to make the most of their limited opportunities, scoring a goal in the 65th minute that ultimately put her team ahead.
Traditionally used to playing in defence, Ohale is better accustomed with preventing goals but was spurred on by confidence during the scoring opportunity and was awarded Player of the Match for her efforts at both ends.
“Every single time I come inside there I always think this is my time, this is my moment I want it to come to me,” she said.
One uniqueness that the Nigerian team bring to the World Cup, is a pre-game singing performance before every match.
While it may seem that the Super Falcons are getting their celebrating on early, the routine is actually done for teambuilding and to summon good luck.
“As a Nigerian team we always sing in every single game it is our ritual. We love to sing; we always sing and we love to dance. It’s basically praising God, thanking God, and calling God to come down to come be with us,” Ohale said.
💃 Dancing 🤝 Football. ⚽️
Forever ingrained in the culture of Nigeria. 💚🤍💚
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 27, 2023
Nigeria’s final match of the group phase is against the Republic of Ireland where they have even more to play for as a win will secure their place at the top of the group.
Waldrum said they won’t look too far ahead and will take it one match at a time but is already working on motivating his team moving forward.
“I told them after the match that keep believing and keep believing in yourself because great things happen for teams when you really fight for each other.”
Feature image credit: Chris Hyde – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
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