Nigeria coach Thomas Dennerby was relieved to come away with the trophy after the Super Falcons 4-3 victory against South Africa on penalties at the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) final at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday night.
It was the third successive win and ninth overall for the Nigerian girls.
The feat was achieved despite the Falcons missing injured striker Desire Oparanozie, and on the back of a 75th minute penalty miss by Asisat Oshoala. It was also against the backdrop of playing consecutive 120–minute sessions, four days after surviving a battling semi final against Cameroon.
“This was the best passing game we’ve had in the tournament and the defense were alert on the day, so I must commend the entire team for a good job well done,” coach Thomas Dennerby said after the game.
“We are happy once again and we will go back, celebrate and start preparing for the World Cup next year.”
“Going forward I think women’s football in Africa is fast improving and very soon it will rival the men’s competition in terms of support and interest.”
