Gotham FC striker, Ifeomu Onumonu, believes the Super Falcons remain the best team in Africa heading to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, The PUNCH reports.
Onumonu, one of nine Falcons players who will be making their first appearances at the tournament as they aim to win a record-extending 10th title at the tournament, says winning the WAFCON will be the biggest accomplishment of her career.
“I can’t even wrap my head around it because I think it doesn’t feel like it will be real in the moment,” Onumonu, who has one goal in seven NWSL appearances this season, told ESPN.
“It would be like probably the biggest trophy I’ve ever held in my life and one of the biggest accomplishments that I’ve ever had in my life.
“We lost it a few years ago, but the goal this year is we’re not allowing that to happen again. Especially with the quality of this team. It’s not a lie, I think that there is no African team that is better than Nigeria at this moment. So, I just can’t wait to start the competition and bring it home.”
Beyond the WAFCON, however, Onumonu is thinking bigger.
Nigeria have qualified for every World Cup since the inaugural edition in 1999, but have only ever made it past the group phase twice.
Onumonu is not only looking to equal that accomplishment but to go all the way.
“Just seeing the quality of this team, it’s become a dream and I don’t just want to go to the World Cup, I want to win the World Cup.
“People might think I’m delusional, but anything could happen, anything happens at the World Cup.
“Obviously, there are different countries that have had their women’s national team a little bit more established for more years, but when I look at the quality of this team, I think anything is really possible.”