Nigeria’s Super Falcons are in great spirit ahead of their World Cup campaign when they tackle The Grasshoppers of Norway at the Stade Auguste-Delaune this evening according to the captain of the side. 
The team will play Norway by 8 pm (Nigerian time) today and just before the team went out for a light morning session, Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie stated in a chinwag with Brila.net that the team are very optimistic and in a good mental space to play their first opponents at the Mundial.

This will be the second meeting between Nigeria and Norway at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Nigeria recorded their biggest ever loss at the World Cup against Norway in Sweden ’95 when they lost 8-0. The Guingamp player has however doused tension choosing instead to say women’s football has evolved from what it used to be 24 years ago.

“Yes we have met them before but that was 24 years ago and in the past! Football has greatly evolved from what it was back then. So we have moved on from the past and we are living in the present. Women football is also on the rise and I can say we have improved to given the preparation we have experienced.”

Oparanozie who has attended two world cups (2011 & 2015) also spoke about working with three times winner of the CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award Asisat Oshoala as her assistant.

“Asisat Oshoala being my assistant is a really welcome development. We have been working really closely to coordinate the team and make the right decisions also for the interest of the team.

The tournament got underway on Friday, with hosts France thrashing South Korea 4-0 in Paris. Nigeria and Norway will cross swords in the second Group A match tonight, as they meet in Reims and the French-based striker wrapped up by asking Nigerians to believe in the girls.