FIFA World Cup: Ebi In ‘Great Mood’, Sets To Break Record Against Canada At age 40 and in her sixth World Cup final, the venerable center ...

 

FIFA World Cup: Ebi In ‘Great Mood’, Sets To Break Record Against Canada

At age 40 and in her sixth World Cup final, the venerable center defender is the oldest participant in the match.

Onome Ebi, the captain of Nigeria and tournament record-holder at the 9th FIFA Women's World Cup, says she is in a "absolutely great mood" ahead of Nigeria's Group B match against Canada on Friday in Melbourne.

Along with Canada captain Christine Sinclair and Brazil forward Marta, the veteran central defender, who is 40 years old, is competing in her sixth World Cup championships.

"I am quite optimistic about this World Cup. It will be drastically altered. As a team, we are prepared and dedicated to bringing honor to Nigeria. Personally, I am in a fantastic mood.

"A lot will depend on how we do in our opening game against Canada and what we learn from it. That is why we are totally concentrated. We have not spoken of anything else since Thursday, when we arrived in Melbourne. Our spirits are high, and we are optimistic about the outcome.

Friday at 12.30 pm (3:30 am in Nigeria), Nigeria and Canada square off at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Ebi and Sinclair will shake hands before the game as part of the pre-match protocol.

"I admire her for the 190 goals she has scored for her country. But for the full 90 minutes of the game, we will have to set all of that aside. It will be a major matter, Ebi remarked.

In the encounter on Friday, the Nigerian defender will earn her 108th cap while competing in her 15th FIFA World Cup game.

Four years ago, when the event was held in France, Nigeria made it as far as the Round of 16, but this time around, according to Ebi, the Super Falcons are aiming further.

"Canada is currently the main priority, after which we may plan and strategize for the following opponents. We are devoted to upholding the honor of our nation.