AWCON 2016: Ghana gave Falcons a match —Omagbemi

Super Falcons head coach, Florence Omagbemi is satisfied with the 1-1 draw against Ghana at the ongoing 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations (Awcon) in Cameroon.

Omagbemi also added that both sides played well.

“I think it was a great game for both teams. Both teams played well.

“It was a good (test) but we were expecting a game as tough as this one.

“I will not blame the match officials because I am not used to such things; both sides played well with an impressive score line,” Omagbemi submitted during the post-match press conference.

Nigeria were overwhelming favourites to record a win over Ghana on Wednesday but met their West African neighbours in uncompromising mood at the Stade Municipal de Limbe.

The Super Falcons had outclassed Mali 6-0 in their first games raising hopes of a similarly dominant display against the Black Queens.

“We were not overconfident after beating Mali 6-0. [On Wednesday], we played against a good team and I commend both sides for playing a good game.

“When you give players instructions before a game, you just have to hope for the best that they implement it.

“We did not instruct the girls to concentrate their attacks down the centre.

“When you attack, you want to use the width of the pitch so you can create space.”

“We tried to do that and communicated same to our players but when they go in there (to the pitch), it depends on what they are taking in during the game,” she said.

Omagbemi rounded off with some harsh words for referee, Akhona Zennith Makalima.

The Nigeria national team head coach was unhappy that the referee did not award the Falcons a penalty in the second half with striker, Asisat Oshoala seemingly fouled in the box.

“The foul on Oshoala was a clear penalty in my assessment and I was a little bit disappointed for the referee not making that call.

“At the same time, just as we try to assess our team, we should try to assess our referees.

“It is because of some calls like these that make it impossible to see so many African referees at the World Cup.

“It is not just because it affected my team; I am saying the referees should make the right call irrespective of the team that it affects,” she said.

Nigeria’s next game is against already-eliminated Kenya at the Stade Municipal, Limbe on November 26.