Super Falcons shear beds in camp – Onumonu reveals

Ifeoma Onumonu, the dynamic forward of the Super Falcons, has unveiled a touching aspect of their preparation for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The heartening story of unity comes amidst their efforts on the global stage, even though the Nigerian team faced a tough exit in the Round of 16 against England, succumbing 4-2 in a penalty shootout.

In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, Onumonu, who spearheaded the African contingent against the formidable Lionesses, shed light on the stark disparities in support encountered by the two teams on their home turfs.

Comparing the lavish resources enjoyed by England’s squad with the humble conditions that the Super Falcons endure, Onumonu emphasized, “I’ve witnessed the luxuries that England has at its disposal. Regrettably, in Nigeria, such privileges are rare.”

“The training grounds we have are far from optimal. Our rest quarters lack comfort, often requiring us to share beds. It’s far from ideal,” she continued, speaking about the challenges the team faces. “When it comes to recovery amenities, we are quite deprived. Access to a functional gym within our Nigerian camp is a distant dream. There’s a lot that necessitates improvement.”

Onumonu passionately highlighted the players’ unwavering commitment to representing their nation despite the hardships. “We give our all because of the love we hold for our country. However, our hope is for the circumstances to evolve in our favor. Even back home, the conditions of the pitches leave much to be desired. Rocky terrains and uneven grass make for a daunting challenge. The stadiums we compete in for qualification matches might surprise you,” she revealed.