In a thrilling semi-final match of the 13th All African Games in Accra, the Nigeria U20 female team emerged victorious against the Uganda U20 female team. The match, which ended with a 2-0 score line in favor of Nigeria, was one of the toughest games for the Nigerian team in the tournament.
The first half of the game was a tense affair, with neither team able to break the deadlock.
Despite several counter-attacks, the Nigerian team struggled to convert their chances. “Our rate of conversion in the first half was not that perfect,” admitted Nigeria’s U20 female coach, Christopher Danjuma. “We’re waiting for the right moment. Make sure that we catch them lacking, and the goals come up.”
The breakthrough came in the 74th minute, relieving the mounting pressure. “No. The department of the field we are waiting to get to a point before we introduce that and It worked out for us,” said Danjuma when asked if he felt any pressure before the first goal was scored.
Danjuma also emphasized the importance of teamwork and the role of every player in the team. “No players disappointed me because from the beginning of this competition, I said something.
We’re here to build our team against our World Cup team going to Columbia,” he explained. “I don’t have a team where somebody is a star.
I have a group of stars. What do I mean, whoever keeps the momentum or raises it, but never brings the bar down. So it’s all about teamwork.”
The match against Uganda was not taken lightly by the Nigerian team.
Despite many expecting an easy win for Nigeria, Danjuma stressed the importance of respecting all teams.
“There are no more small teams anywhere. No more. You see the way teams play. Teams have evolved.
We come to this competition respecting everybody,” he said.
The game plan for the Nigerian team was to build a team focusing on the World Cup with the eyes on the gold here. “We’re waiting for the moment, and it comes at the end of the day, is who wins the game,” Danjuma added.
With this victory, Nigeria will face Ghana in the final on Friday.
This match will undoubtedly be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for the prestigious title.
As the Nigerian team continues their journey, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of a nation eager for success on the global stage.
Team 9ja AAG Update from the 13th All African Games brought to by 9ja Cafe Rhum.
