Nnadozie apologises to fans, assures better outing against Zambia
By Uzor Odigbo
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie says the team’s disappointing opening defeat is firmly behind them as Nigeria shifts its attention to a crucial encounter against Zambia.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Nnadozie revealed that the atmosphere within the squad remains positive, with every player focused on making amends in the team’s next outing.
“The feeling in camp is very good. Everyone is happy because the past is the past, and our focus is on what we have to do in the next game,” Nnadozie said.
“We have all learnt from our mistakes. We have left the defeat behind us, and now we are concentrating on the next game and trying as much as possible to give our best.”
She explained why she took to social media to apologise to Nigerian fans following the opening loss, describing it as a sincere gesture to reassure supporters that the result was never due to a lack of commitment.
“I felt it was necessary to apologise so the fans would know that what happened was not intentional. Football is a game where winning and losing go hand in hand. We have to keep our heads high and continue doing our best.”
Nnadozie admitted that mistakes are part of football but stressed that what matters most is the determination to improve after setbacks.
“It is not the first time I have made a mistake in a game, but what keeps me going is always striving to become a better version of myself. I also want to appreciate everyone who still believes in us and continues praying for the team.”
Nnadozie believes the Super Falcons have taken valuable lessons from the defeat and are determined to produce a much-improved performance against Zambia.
“We have learnt a lot from our mistakes, and we will try to get things right this time. It is not always easy, but as a professional footballer you have to build yourself mentally.”
She also insisted that external criticism has never defined the Super Falcons, pointing to the team’s resilience over the years.
“We didn’t come this far because of criticism. People will always have their opinions, but we keep learning, improving and coming back stronger. That is life, and that is football.”
Drawing inspiration from one of football’s biggest recent upsets, Nnadozie reminded fans that a single defeat does not determine a team’s quality.
“At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina, yet Argentina went on to win the tournament. In the same way, losing one game doesn’t make us a bad team.”
The Super Falcons will be hoping to turn those words into action when they take on Zambia in a must-win encounter, with their qualification hopes depending on a positive response after the opening setback.
