Nigerian Super Falcons striker Chinwendu Ihezuo has expressed delight at scoring in Nigeria’s 3-0 demolition of Tunisia in their opening match at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, adding that the Super Falcons are more determined than ever to go all the way and reclaim the continental crown.

The Super Falcons, who are eyeing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, returned to the continental stage on a high with a convincing win on Sunday in Casablanca, with goals from Ihezuo, Asisat Oshoala, and Rinsola Babajide.

“My expectations is to do great and make Nigerians proud and happy over our performance at this WAFCON in Morocco.

“I don’t think (gunning for a 10th title) is an additional pressure for us.”

“The most important thing is for us to work together as a team and I believe we will get to the top,” she said.

The Super Falcons are expected to return to the familiar Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca tomorrow (July 10th) for their second game of the tournament, with the aim of securing another three points to smoothen their path to the knockout phase.

Despite the convincing victory over Tunisia, the 2018 WAFCON winner said the team is not carried away, stressing the importance of staying grounded and focused.

“From what we have seen, all the teams participating in this tournament is super good but with our collective hard work and dedication, we will come up with good results.

“No doubt, all teams here for this WAFCON in Morocco are good, we just need to work together and break the obstacles,” said the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Silver Boot winner.

Relishes on goals

Aside from winning the WAFCON in 2018, Ihezuo, who also featured when Nigeria claimed silver at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada, spoke passionately about her pride in donning the national colours over the years.

She said, “Apart from winning the WAFCON in 2018, I’ve had other good moments with the Super Falcons.

“I’ve also participated at the FIFA Women’s World Cup (France 2019) as well as the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament (Paris 2024).

“It has been a great honor and privilege for which I’m very grateful, as such, it is always my expectations to do my best with the team.”

On the subject of the changing faces in the Super Falcons’ coaching ranks, the vastly-travelled striker expressed confidence in the current technical team led by coach Chris Danjuma Madugu.

“Coach Madugu is a good coach like other coaches that I have worked with in the Super Falcons,” she volunteered. “Every coach has his or her own tactics and I think the overall objective is to help the team in one way or the other in order to achieve success.”