The Super Falcons were underdogs before the competition started, but they have proven their mettle
Super Falcons midfielder Halimatu Ayinde has expressed her elation with the team’s run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Soccernet reports.
Nine-time Wome Africa Cup of Nations champions Nigeria were underdogs going into the World Cup in Australia/New Zealand. They were drawn in Group B alongside Canada, Ireland, and co-hosts Australia.
Randy Waldrum’s ladies were the least-ranked team in the group, and with the controversies surrounding the team, they were not expected to do much at the World Cup.
However, the team has performed well so far. They finished second in their group after picking draws against Canada and Ireland, and shocking Australia 3-2 in Brisbane.
Ayinde has been an important part of the team, featuring prominently in two of Nigeria’s games after Deborah Abiodun was suspended because of a red card in the first game.
The 28-year-old has ensured that Abiodun’s absence has not been felt as she has been a workaholic in the Super Falcons midfield.
Following Nigeria’s qualification to the Round of 16, Ayinde took to social media to share her delight.
“Such an honour to represent Nigeria and be part of a history-chasing group. Just the beginning of greater heights,” Ayinde wrote.
The Super Falcons have to wait till the final games of Group D are played before they know their Round of 16 opponents.
