Nigeria goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi has downplayed the goalless draw against Algeria, insisting the Super Falcons are fully focused on their upcoming quarter-final clash with Zambia at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The result saw Nigeria progress from Group B unbeaten and without conceding a goal, yet there were visible signs of disappointment among players and staff at full time.
Oluehi, who plays her club football with Shualat Alsharqia FC in Saudi Arabia, acknowledged the mood but urged fans to understand the team’s expectations going into the game.
“What we really had in this game was to come out and win. We’re not thinking of picking a draw,” Oluehi told reporters.
“That’s why the players were moody. But we know the next game we’re going to bounce all out because it’s a game of not going back. It’s a game we have to go forward.”
The experienced shot-stopper believes Nigeria’s familiarity with Zambia, whom they faced at the last WAFCON in 2022, will be key heading into the knockout round.
“We know against Zambia we’re going to come all out because we’ve played them in the last two years at WAFCON. Our coming out with them will be a completely different ballgame.”
READ MORE: Super Falcons coach apologises for Algeria draw, eyes Zambia challenge
Oluehi has long been a prominent figure in Nigerian football, having made her professional debut back in 2006 with Bayelsa Queens in the Nigerian Women’s League.
After leaving her mark with the Queens, she went on to ply her trade for Sunshine Queens before venturing abroad to showcase her skills for Bobruichanka Bobruisk in Belarus.
Tochukwu Oluehi. Photo Credit: X
Driven by a thirst for international experience, Oluehi also enjoyed successful spells in Norway, Spain, and Israel.
Despite not winning their final group match, Nigeria remain among the tournament favourites, having kept three consecutive clean sheets and demonstrated defensive solidity throughout the group stage.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL
Oluehi stressed that results like the Algeria draw are part of football and do not reflect a lack of ambition.
“In football, you don’t expect everything. Just take it like that,” she said. “But we believe against Zambia, it’s going to be a different ballgame.”
Super Falcons face the Cooper Queens of Zambia in the quarter-finals on Thursday, 17 July, in Rabat.
