Confident Oshoala Vows Tough Competition for Paris 2024 Olympics

Super Falcons and Bay F.C. striker, Asisat Oshoala, expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s potential to outplay their opponents in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.

After a closely contested two leg match, where the Super Falcons edged out South Africa’s Bayana Bayana with a 1-0 aggregate, Nigeria secured their spot in the Olympic Games. Filled with optimism, Oshoala believes the team can replicate their success despite being placed in the same group as Spain, Brazil, and Japan.

Oshoala, eager to compete against her former Barcelona teammates, remarked, This will be a special event. I’ve never been to the Olympics before, but I’ve heard a lot about it. I look forward to it so much if I make the team People said the same thing at the World Cup last year. They said we were in the Group of Death [with Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland] and could not qualify, but we did.

She emphasized her faith in the young talents within the team, stating, I have a lot of confidence in this team. We have many young players, and we can make things difficult for our opponents. We don’t just think about getting out of the group. I think we can walk away with a medal.

The two time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner, in an interview with FIFA, added, I know what I can do. I know what I offer on and off the pitch. Even when I was in the best team in the world, I knew what I could contribute. I work hard for the team and try to make sure I do my part of the business and that way everyone takes care of their business as well.

Highlighting the team’s relentless effort, she concluded, Our team won’t stop running until we hear the whistle. That’s difficult for the opposition teams because they can’t break us.

Oshoala, who played as a substitute in Nigeria’s Olympic qualifying games against Cameroon and South Africa, remains confident in her contributions to Randy Waldrum’s squad. The Paris 2024 Olympics will commence on July 26 and continue until August 11, marking Nigeria’s return to women’s Olympic football after 16 years.

Editorial

We are brimming with pride and anticipation as we look forward to the Super Falcons’ participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Asisat Oshoala’s optimism and unwavering confidence in the team resonate deeply with us. The journey to the Olympics, marked by a hard fought victory over South Africa, showcases the resilience and determination that defines Nigerian football.

Oshoala’s comments reflect a profound belief in the capabilities of the team’s young talents. We share her conviction that these athletes, driven by a fierce desire to prove themselves on the global stage, have the potential to deliver outstanding performances. The Super Falcons have consistently demonstrated their ability to overcome formidable challenges, as evidenced by their performance in the so called Group of Death at the World Cup.

This unwavering spirit and relentless work ethic are the hallmarks of a team poised for success. As Oshoala rightly points out, the unity and collective effort of the players are crucial. Each member’s dedication to their role ensures that the team functions seamlessly, creating an unbreakable bond that opponents will find difficult to breach.

The excitement surrounding the opportunity to compete against top tier teams like Spain, Brazil, and Japan is palpable. These matches will not only test our skills but also provide invaluable experience and exposure to our players. We firmly believe that the Super Falcons will rise to the occasion, making Nigeria proud by displaying exceptional talent and sportsmanship.

As we eagerly anticipate the kickoff on July 26, we stand united in our support for the Super Falcons. Their journey to the Olympics is a testament to their hard work and dedication. We are confident that they will continue to defy expectations and strive for excellence, ultimately aiming for a well-deserved medal.

Did You Know?

1. First African Team Nigeria was the first African team to win a gold medal in Olympic football, achieving this feat at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
2. Record Appearances Asisat Oshoala is one of the most capped players in the history of Nigerian women’s football, having represented the nation in multiple World Cups and international tournaments.
3. Top Scorer Oshoala has been a prolific goal scorer, holding the record for the most goals scored by an African player in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
4. Historic Qualification Nigeria’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics marks their return to the competition after a 16-year absence, the last being in Beijing 2008.
5. Award Winning Athlete Oshoala has won the African Women’s Player of the Year award five times, highlighting her outstanding contributions to football both in Africa and globally.