Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport

Nigeria make their fourth World Cup appearance

Nigeria coach Sam Okpodu expects the Super Falcons to become the first African side to reach the semi-finals at September's women's World Cup.

"I am confident in the ability of the team that is preparing for the tournament, which I think is going to be a very exciting one," Okpodu told BBC Sport website.

"We are looking forward to getting past the quarter-finals, which we did at the last World Cup."

The African champions begin their World Cup group campaign against North Korea on 20 September, with other matches being played against world champions, the United States and Sweden.

The winner of our group will win the World Cup Sam Okpodu

Okpodu admitted that the Americans, who beat Nigeria 7-1 at the 1999 finals, are the team to beat in their group.

"There's no doubt that the US have the best female side in the world, so we would have to prepare properly if we are going to do well against them.

"Sweden is no pushover either and we must respect the North Koreans, as they are the Asian champions.

"I think that the winner of our group will eventually lift the World Cup trophy."

In preparation for the World Cup finals, Nigeria will travel for a friendly match against Norway on 2 August, with a subsequent encounter against Germany four days later.

"Playing against these top sides will put my team in the right shape for the World Cup finals."