It’s no secret that we’re cheering for strong girls and women around the world this year. We can’t end extreme poverty without investing in girls and women everywhere.
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 a week underway, we’re pumped to be cheering for the teams from Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Nigeria.
To get you ready for the next round of games, we found some fun facts on the three teams from Africa: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Nigeria.
Côte d’Ivoire
Photo credit: AFP
Fun fact: This is the first time Côte d’Ivoire’s team has ever qualified for the Women’s World Cup.
Nickname: Les Éléphants
In their words: “We had been waiting for this moment for such a long time. What the girls achieved in Namibia is fantastic. It is a historic achievement – the first time Côte d’Ivoire has reached the World Cup. We have to thank the federation, who believed in us and in the team, but also the Ivorians for their prayers.” – Clementine Toure, Côte d’Ivoire coach
Results so far:
- June 7 – Germany 10, Ivory Coast 0
- June 11 – Thailand 3, Ivory Coast 2
Cameroon
Photo credit: Cameroon Online
Fun fact: This team is often seen at the African Women’s Championship, but this is their first-ever appearance at the World Cup
Nickname: Les Lions Indomptables (The Indomitable Lions)
In their words: “A continental trophy would have been good for Cameroon, but we broke several positive records in the Cup of Nations. We have in our ranks the best goalkeeper and two of our players won player of the game awards. We ended the competition with a silver medal and we had a good competition. We are looking forward to having an impact at the World Cup.” – Enow Ngachu, Cameroon coach
Results & next games:
- June 8 – Cameroon 6, Ecuador 0
- June 12 – Japan 2, Cameroon 1
- June 16 @ 5pm ET vs. Switzerland
Nigeria
Photo credit: Getty
Fun fact: They have an incredible record in the African Women’s Championship, winning 36 of 45 matches and 5 draws. It’s no surprise then that this is the team’s 7th appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nickname: Super Falcons
In their words: “We can’t go to the World Cup to merely add to the numbers, but we’re going there to participate and to prove a point. I can’t say right away how far we’ll go at the World Cup, but I’m positive we won’t disappoint Nigerians when hostilities start in Canada. We have quality and experienced players in our midst who can turn things around.” – Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria striker
Results & next games:
- June 8 – Sweden 3, Nigeria 3
- June 12 – Australia 2, Nigeria 0
- June 16 @ 8pm ET vs. United States
The World Cup is a great time to celebrate the athletic strength and accomplishments of each of the teams. However, in these three countries combined, 5,859,050 girls are out of school – that’s just shy of the size of the entire state of Maryland! It’s time to change this.