Nigeria to defend African pride at Olympics

(BEIJING, June 25) -- Since 2000, the first time the Nigerian women's football team appeared on the Olympic stage, the African athletes have not made it past initial group matches at any Olympic Games. They are looking to change this embarrassing situation this summer.

As the only African team taking part in the upcoming 2008 Olympic Games, the Nigerians need a breakthrough to defend their nation's pride, as well as the pride of all of Africa.

Cynthia Uwak, Nigeria's key player, expressed her confidence. "We have a good team," she was quoted as saying by FIFA. "African footballers like to improvise and play the ball on the ground, and this team is not different. We can beat anyone on our day and we just need to play according to our style and instincts."

Former Nigerian coach Effiom Ntiero praises Uwak as a player who "has all the qualities of an exceptional footballer" and "always seems to conjure up a goal when you least expect it."

Uwak will play alongside other African big names such as Faith Ikidi, Perpetua Nkwocha and Ifeanyi Chiejine. However, Africa's best female footballer remains cautious and still has her feet on the ground. "I will continue to play my art for Nigeria," she said. "I am praying and hoping that we can do well at the Olympics and make the country proud."