Reigning champions of the Africa Women Cup of Nations, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are gunning for an encore on Saturday, as team captains, Onome Ebi and Rita Chikwelu say they will not bow to South Africa in the final.
Ebiu’s verdict is supported by ace defender, Josephine Chukwunonye and coach of the side, Thomas Dennerby, who both declared that they are eager to also carry the cup for the first time in their days with the team.
Ebi promised in a chat with sports247.ng that the Falcons will do all that is within their power to ensure they get payback on Banyana for beating them in the opening group match.
Ebi stressed: “We will do everything possible to ensure that we repay the trust given us by all Nigerians and come out tops against South Africa.
“The presence of the NFF President, Mr Amaju Pinnick, and his words are enough morale booster for us to deliver on Saturday.”
Ebi’s fellow-defender, Chukwunonye said the team will not take things for granted this time around against Bayana Bayana.
Chukwunonye said in a chat with sports247.ng that this is the time for the Falcons to show their opponents what they are capable of doing.
“They will find out hard tough we can be on a day we mean business. Don’t talk about South Africa’s group stage win, because it was just a fluke. That was caused by a mistake on our part, which we won’t repeat.”
On her part, Chikwelu also thanked Pinnick for visiting them with a bold message of assurance which will spur the team to perform well.
“We have everything to play for, we have been motivated by the NFF president, and we are ready to go against the South Africans,” she said.
On his part, Dennerby stated that Nigeria’s surge to the final is down to the collective effort of everyone in the team.
He gave kudos to every member of the team, from the technical crew, back room staff and playing personnel.
Dennerby said: “Everyone is working together for one common purpose. Without them, there wouldn’t be a team to work with.
“I believe that all of us together will again work well with the team to achieve success on Saturday.”
