Maureen Madu Urges Strongest Nigeria Line up for Paris Olympics

Maureen Madu, a celebrated former international, has voiced her strong opinion against the inclusion of more home based players in the Super Falcons squad for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Madu emphasized that the national team should consist of the finest and fittest players, irrespective of their playing base, as Nigeria faces formidable opponents such as Spain, Japan, and Brazil in the first round.

Madu, recalling the surprise inclusion of Uchenna Kanu in the past, stressed, that Nigeria belongs to everyone, and we need to field our best players to stand a chance. The Super Falcons, who are nine time African champions, are anticipated to face challenges in advancing from the group stages.

Despite the tough draw, Madu remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, recalling their unexpected performance at last year’s World Cup where they advanced from the so called ‘Group of Death’. She credits much of the recent improvements in the team to the tactical discipline instilled by coach Randy Waldrum.

Nigeria is set to kick off their Olympic journey on July 25 against Brazil, with high hopes pinned on their performance.

Editorial

As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw near, the debate intensifies around the composition of our national teams, particularly the Super Falcons. The opinion voiced by Maureen Madu, a stalwart of Nigerian football, underscores a fundamental principle meritocracy must prevail in sports.

It’s imperative that the Super Falcons, as representatives of Nigeria on the global stage, comprise our most capable players. The Olympics are not just another tournament they are a showcase on the world stage where excellence must be our only criterion for selection. This approach ensures that we not only compete but also stand a chance to excel against the world’s best teams.

The resilience and capability of our women have been proven time and again, most notably in last year’s World Cup. It is this spirit, coupled with tactical discipline, that will be crucial in Paris. We believe in the transformative power of sports to uplift and unite, and thus, it is essential to support our team with the best talents available.

Did You Know?

1. Maureen Madu has been an influential figure in Nigerian women’s football both on and off the pitch, advocating for equal opportunities.
2. The Super Falcons have won the African Women’s Championship a record nine times, more than any other team.
3. Uchenna Kanu, once a surprise pick for the national team, has become a symbol of the potential hidden in local leagues.
4. The Paris 2024 Olympics will mark the first time the event is hosted in Paris since 1924, exactly a century later.
5. Nigeria has participated in the Olympic football events multiple times, but the Super Falcons’ participation in 2024 is particularly significant as they face some of the top ranked teams in the world.