Age is just a number for Nigeria captain Onome Ebi who is preparing to compete at her sixth Women’s World Cup at 40. The veteran often faces criticism over her ability to deliver at this stage of her career, but she knows how to block out the noise.

Ebi has spent two decades playing soccer and has been part of five of Nigeria’s nine World Cup appearances. In 2019, she became the first African player to play at five World Cups.

“Some people say I’m too old to play football, that I shouldn’t be out on the pitch and that I should make way for younger players. What can I say to that, apart from the fact that I love this sport more than anything? I was already kicking in my mum’s tummy!” Ebi told FIFA+ in an interview on Wednesday.

Ebi, who turned 40 last month, maintains her physical strength by taking up challenges. She trains with the men’s team of Levante Las Planas, the club she joined last year, as competing against men helps her build more stamina which is vital in her role as a defender.

“If some people don’t like seeing a 40-year-old woman looking as comfortable in high heels as she does in football boots, then that’s their problem. Their comments don’t grate on me; on the contrary, they drive me to excel,” Ebi added.

“I’m proud of who I am; I’ve got a vast amount of experience and I’m putting it to good use with my team and my country. You know, it’s often said that if you’re not making waves, no one talks about you, but the moment you get some forward momentum, you’ll attract criticism as well as praise. And so I chose to move forward.”

In Australia and New Zealand, Ebi will lead a side that is hoping to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time.

Nigeria, nicknamed the ‘Super Falcons’, reached the quarter-finals in 1999, their best result so far. They were knocked out in the last-16 in 2019 by Germany.

The African side are in Group B at the July 20-August 20 tournament this year, alongside co-hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada and Ireland.

What does Ebi think of their chances in the so-called group of death?

“As a team, we want to do better than we did at the 2019 World Cup in France. Being totally honest, I think we can aim for the semi-finals. We’ve got high-quality, experienced players and some really talented youngsters,” she said.

“It really is doable, and it’s up to us to grab the chance with both hands and show the world that we are Nigeria and that we’re not just there to make up the numbers. I’m ready for a sixth World Cup, and we’re ready as a team.”