Super Falcons Battle Ethiopia

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons will this evening battle their Ethiopian opponents in their second group match of the African Women Championship, AWC at the Nkoantoma Stadium in Bata, Equatorial Guinea. The Nigerian ladies, who are defending champions, got their title defence on a winning note, after defeating the Lionesses of Cameroon 2-1 in their first Group B match played on a waterlogged surface, while the Ethiopians lost 0-5 to group leaders, Cote d’Ivoire.

The Coach Kadiri Ikhana-tutored-side would look to unseat Cote d’Ivoire, who are topping the table, while the Ethiopians, placed on the bottom of the table would want to create an upset against  the Nigerians. The bookmakers have favoured Nigeria to retain the trophy won two years ago in South Africa.

Ethiopia may not be a force to reckon with, but the Nigerian ladies have been warned to underrate them at their peril.

Coach Ikhana has told the players to be more aggressive against their foes. Falcons’ line up may not change from the squad paraded against Cameroon on Monday, as the scorer of Nigeria’s winning goal, Perpetua Nkwocha is expected back on duty.

Ebere Orji, Esther sunday and Stella Mbachu are to confront the Ehiopians, while Onyinyechi Ohagugha, who netted Falcons’ opening match will also be on duty.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper/skipper of falcons, Precious Dede, who conceded a goal in the first match against Cameroon, has been warned by Chief Coach of the Falconets Edwin Okon, to beware of her goal area, and ensure that the team defeat Ethiopia.

 

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“Nobody should treat unknown countries as underdogs, it applies to Ethiopia. The Falcons must not underrate nor see them as underdogs but face them squarely. They must keep their concentration and attack from the blast of the whistle till the end as well as win with as many goals as possible. They should go for more goals to avoid mathematical finish at the top of the log considering they’re trailing Cote d’Ivoire on inferior goals,” Okon warned.

The Rivers Angels’ gaffer said Falcons are good to defend the title won in 2010 in South Africa.

“With the quality of players in the Falcons’ squad I’m confident they’ll defend the title.

“Nigerians must continue to support them with prayers and pray, too, that they avoid loss of concentration,” he said.

The Nigerians last port battle will be against Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday in Malabo, an encounter that may decide who leads the group. The Falcons are gunning for a seventh title at the biennial Africa’s football showpiece.

—Adebobola  Alawode

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