2nd November, 2012
Former Green Eagles defender, Yisa Shofoluwe, has warned the Super Falcons of Nigeria currently playing at the ongoing African Women Championship, AWC, in Equatorial Guinea, not to celebrate their semi final berth but keep their heads low because the way to the final will be tough.
The Falcons, who are the defending champions, booked their place in the semi-final with a game left against Cote d’Ivoire after defeating the Lionesses of Cameroon 2-1 in their first Group B tie and only yesterday defeated the Ethiopian ladies 3-0.
Known as ‘Dean of Defence’ during his playing days in the Eagles, Shofoluwe said it is not yet time for the team to celebrate as there is still a lot of work to be done if they must successfully defend the trophy won two years ago in South Africa.
In the words: “The Falcons are doing the nation proud in South Africa, but my advice to the ladies is that they should keep their celebration until they are able to defend the trophy because celebrating now may scuttle their chances.”
The Falcons will play their final group game on Sunday, 4 November and competition rule says that the matches must be played simultaneously.
This means that while Nigeria and Ivory Coast are battling it out in Malabo, Cameroon and Ethiopia will be testing their skills against each other at the same time in Bata.
Meanwhile, Falcons are eagerly awaiting the doctor’s report on the fate of injured stars, Esther Sunday and Rita Chikwelu ahead of the last group game against Cote D’Ivoire on Sunday.
Team’s coach, Kadiri Ikhana, was forced to make two changes in the 3-0 win over Ethiopia after the players pulled up injured at different times.
—Adebobola Alawode