Super Falcons Seeking AWC Glory

With their 100% record in the tournament intact, the Super Falcons are looking to claim their seventh African Women Championship after securing a ticket to next year’s world cup in Canada. A 4-2 win against Ivory Coast, 6-0 basing of Zambia and 2-0 humbling of host nation Namibia was enough to see the Falcons through to the semi-finals of the tournament. Despite a late surge by the South Africans, Nigeria ran out 2-1 winners with Asisat Oshoala scoring a brace. This has given Nigeria an opportunity to claim the silverware today as they take on Cameroon who lost to Nigeria in 2004 finals. The Cameroonians have been impressive as well which means Nigeria will need to do more to claim the title today.

Like every other finals, it will be a big day for both teams. Cameroon stopped Nigeria from going to the Olympics in 2012 and will hope to do the same this evening by denying them of the title. Nigeria’s authoritative power in African Women football has since declined a little but a victory in today’s match will bring back the confidence with the current crop of players having age on their side. The Cameroonians scored a late gaol to claim a 1-0 victory against South Africa in their opening match, a 2-0 win over Algeria was enough to secure their place in the Semi-finals although they succumbed to a 1-0 loss to Ghana in the final group stage match. Another late goal in the extra time lifted them past Ivory Coast in the semi-finals and the Central African Nation will hope to get past their West African rivals. The two countries share borders and have been football rivals for a while which makes the match an important one for both teams. Cameroon seem to have a way of dragging through matches with the desired results but the Nigerian Ladies have shown how good they are even with their style of play.

The Falcons will hope to get another victory like they did back in 2004 in South Africa. A highly contested match this will turn out to be but Nigeria fans have the faith in the team and are more confident they will make it through. This serves as the main source of inspiration for football fans in Africa’s most populated country as they hope to bring back the love for women football in Nigeria. Desire Oparanozie, Asisat Oshoala and others have what is required of them to get the job done this evening and in case they need any hand in experience, Stella Mbachu, Precious Dede and Perpetual Nkwocha will be available to lend out a hand. Oshoala is ready for the challenge as she claims not to be under pressure and fit enough to play despite a slight knock suffered in the semi-finals. It will be a big showdown as Nigeria Super Falcons seek for their seventh African Women Championship title at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, Windhoek in Namibia.