Falcons Skipper Nwabuoku: We Are Not In Canada To Make Up The Numbers

Super Falcons captain Evelyn Nwabuoku has hailed the fighting spirit of the African champions following Monday’s thrilling 3-3 draw with highly-fancied Sweden.

At the Winnipeg Stadium, Nigeria played as if it was a cup final and shared the spoils with the European side.

In an epic battle that had great goals, quality exchanges and touches of brilliance, Ordega proved to be Super Falcons heroine with a late finish to ensure the two sides shared the points.

An own goal by Desire Oparanozie gave the European side the curtain raiser, before Nilla Fischer capitalised on the ball watching Nigerian players to double the Swedes advantage.

The seven-time African Champions scored within the space of three minutes to bring the game back to life.

Ngozi Okobi benefitted from an intelligent cross by Oparanozie to score a morale boosting goal, before reigning BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala showed technical brilliance to grab an equalizer for her side.

The African were let down by another poor defending when Lina Nilsson ran rings round them from the left flank before feeding Linda Sembrant who poked home.

But the impressive Ordega had the final say with a superb finish three minutes from the end as the two sides played out a 3-3 draw for the second time in three World Cup meetings.

“By His grace this is just the beginning because we are not here (Canada) to complete the numbers,” Nwabuoku said.

“We are working so hard and determined to qualify from the tough Group. If you want to be a champion you have to beat the best.”

The Super Falcons were two goals down as at half time in the match against Sweden and the former Rivers Angels star stated that the girls weren’t down in mood at half-time.

“We were never for we knew we were playing so well, just that the team conceded goals despite playing well, but we thank God for the grace to hold on and push forward.”

Photo Credit : fifa.com