As the countdown gets tighter towards this Friday’s first leg final qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, a former coach of the Super Falcons, Edwin Okon has declared that South Africa cannot stop Nigeria from picking the ticket.
Although he acknowledged South Africa’s quality and admitted that there are no minnows in African women football any longer, Okon insisted that the Falcons are better than Banyana Banyana.
He went on to note the late arrivals of many Falcons’ players to the national camp, due to club commitments, but insisted that it would be a different kettle of fish when both sides enter the pitch at Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Okon, who previously handled the Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, stressed that he has profound confidence in the ability of the Nigerian players to gel seamlessly once they come together in the thick of action.
“I hear people talking about South Africa beating the Super Falcons, but I don’t see them stopping us from winning the competition.
“It’s true that there are no minnows any longer concerning African football, but that does not mean they will knock us out of the tournament.
“I don’t believe that, no. I believe in what the Nigerian girls can do. They may arrive late from their respective clubs, but they will still come together as a team.
“All they have to do is prepare well when they gather together. They know what is at stake. They also know their names are at stake.
“South Africa is not up to our level at all, but we still have to prepare well when going against any competitive team.
So, I believe they will do well,” stressed Okon.
He argued further that South Africa’s ability to gather their players together earlier than Nigeria’s will not be a decisive factor on Friday.
