Super Falcons stand-in captain, Chiamaka Nnadozie, says the nine-time African champions are brimming in confidence ahead of the crucial second Group B game against co-host Australia on Thursday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Nnadozie was outstanding in goal for the Falcons last Friday as they forced Canada to a goalless draw at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium making several stunning saves, including stopping Christine Sinclair’s penalty.
“The team is very confident ahead of the game,”Nnadozie told PUNCH Sports Extra.
“The morale is high and we keep working hard and we hope at the end of the day we will be able to qualify for the knockout stage of the competition.
The Paris FC keeper who holds the record of the youngest goalkeeper with a clean sheet at the Women’s World Cup also rued the injury Sam Kerr copped before the start of the tournament.
The Chelsea forward remains a doubt for the encounter at the Lang Park on Thursday as she continues to nurse the injury that ruled her out of the first game against the Ireland.
“The news has been everywhere that the Australian captain Sam Kerr has been out and will miss the game on Thursday,” Nnadozie continued.
“For me I’m a footballer as well, its not really a happy think to see a fellow footballer out injured and won’t play. It’s not a good thing for the team or me as a player to be excited that she’s out and won’t play. We wish her all the best and personally I wish her speedy recovery. Its every girl child dream to play at the World Cup and I hope she comes back to join her teammates at the tournament.
Australia, lead Group B with three points, top Group B after the first round of matches, with Nigeria and Canada joint second with one point each. Republic of Ireland who face Canada in the other group game are bottom of the log without a point.
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