Captain of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, Onome Ebi has denied a story by a leading Nigerian newspaper (which is being circulated widely) that the nine-time African champions are threatening to boycott their FIFA Women’s World Cup opening game against Canada in Melbourne on Friday, 21 July.

“I have no idea where that (boycott) is coming from. We (the players) never had any such conversations as regards that; we are good with training and ready for the World Cup,” Ebi told thenff.com at the team’s training camp in Gold Coast, Australia on Saturday morning.

The hard-as-nails defender, who is featuring in her sixth FIFA World Cup finals, added that the team’s training sessions have been intense but interesting, as they look forward to their Group B encounters against Olympic champions Canada, co-hosts Australia and debutants Republic of Ireland.

“The sessions have been intense, motivating and okay. The girls are in good shape, good spirit and ready to go. The training speaks for itself as regards the mood in camp because this is what I bargained for. 

“The players are meeting up with physical and tactical aspects of training; the mood is okay.”