'We know what to expect' - Nigeria captain ahead of WAFCON showdown vs Cameroon

Ever-present Nigeria believe they will celebrate another FIFA Women's World Cup ticket on Thursday night after a quarter-final clash with neighbours Cameroon in Casablanca that will determine who is guaranteed a place in Australia & New Zealand next year.

 
All four teams that make the semi finals at the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco would have picked automatic tickets for the Women's World Cup, with the team adjudged to have finished fifth presented with another chance for a shot at a Playoff Tournament next year.

A 2-1 defeat at the hands of South Africa's Banyana Banyana in their opening match of Group C last week Monday somewhat dimmed the shine of the Super Falcons, but they rose stoutly to the occasion and won their other two matches with six points and six goals advantage shooting them to the last eight.

Thursday's spectacle in Casablanca is expected to be explosive, but Nigeria captain Onome Ebi says the Falcons are up for the challenge.

"Of course, we know what to expect. The Cameroonians also want to go to the World Cup. But we have never missed the World Cup and we won't start now. Our eyes are fully focused on Australia & New Zealand, and then we can start talking about the trophy."

Nigeria are the untouchables, being one of only six countries on the planet to have participated in all eight editions of the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Ferdinand Mbum