“We don’t care what the world is saying”- Nnadozie unfazed by tough Olympics group

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has stated that going into the 2024 Olympics, Nigeria want to put up a performance similar to the one they had at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.

At the 2023 World Cup, Nigeria’s Super Falcons had one their best performances. Under the tutelage of Randy Waldrum, the finished second in a group that had stronger teams like Canada, Ireland, and Australia. Then, they faced a very England side, who were bustling with confidence after winning the previous Euros.

In terms of quality of play, the Super Falcons dominated the game, especially after Lauren James took was sent off. Nigeria could have won the game if they had taken their chances. However, the game dragged into penalty shootouts which England won.

Now, just like the World Cup, Nigeria have a tough group in the upcoming Olympic games. The Super Falcons are in Group B, alongside powerhouses－ Brazil, Japan, and Spain.

However, Nnadozie, who has been a mainstay in Nigeria’s goal in recent years has stated that the team want to continue from where they left off at the World Cup.

“This (grouping) happened at the last World Cup Cup. We had Canada, England and Australia. Nobody believed in us, they believed we were just coming to participate,” Nnadozie said at an LIS event on Tuesday.

“But we have this team that doesn’t care about what the world is saying. We are mentally and physically prepared, we have young, good, and talented players. We are mixed with both old and young players who are experienced and playing in the top European leagues and other countries.

“I can’t say much because football is unpredictable. What we want to do is on our mind. We are so ready, we will also go there and make the nation proud.

“What we did at the last World Cup wasn’t the end, we are going to continue, and going to the Olympics, we will try our best to qualify from the group stage.”

It would take a big upset for the Super Falcons qualify from their group because they are the least-ranked team. Spain are number one in the world, while Brazil and Japan are seventh and tenth on the rankings.