The General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Mohammed Sanusi,has called on Nigerians in the nation’s capital, Abuja and its environs as well as neighbouring states to come out in their numbers to the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday to support the Super Falcons in their Women’s Olympic Football Tournament African final qualifying first leg game against the Bayana Bayana of South Africa.
The nine-time African champions Nigeria and the reigning African champions South Africa clash kicks off from 5pm on Friday, April 5 while e return leg is due for Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld Arena next week Tuesday.
“The NFF is calling on Nigerians from all over the Federal Capital Territory and the neighbouring states and indeed from all over Nigeria to come out in their tens of thousands to cheer the Super Falcons to victory in the match against South Africa.
“This is a big match by all standards. We are specially appealing to our people to come out en masse and support the Super Falcons. It is important for us to get a big win here in order to be in good stead before flying to South Africa. A handsome win here will bolster our ladies with the confidence and mentality to overcome in Pretoria,” Sanusi said.
Sporting Tribune recall that Nigeria has not participated in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament since 2008 when the Falcons lost all three matches in the group phase in China.
Team captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has said the objective of her teammates remain the same right from the beginning of the qualifiers.
“From the time we played Ethiopia, we have been committed to seeing these qualification series through. Our objective has always been to win a slot to the Olympics. Most of us are yet to play in the Olympics and it is a big issue with us. We want to be there in Paris.
“There are a couple of issues the Super Falcons have to sort out with Banyana Banyana, really. However, that is not the motivation this time. The motivation is qualifying for the Olympics.”
As at lunchtime on Wednesday, Ajibade and 20 other players were in the Super Falcons’ camp while the team had a first training session at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Wednesday morning.
Players in camp:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi, Linda Jiwuaku
Defenders: Jumoke Alani, Osinachi Ohale, Chidinma Okeke, Shukurat Oladipo, Michelle Alozie, Nicole Payne
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade, Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde
Forwards: Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday, Omorinsola Babajide, Ifeoma Onumonu, Esther Okoronkwo, Chiwendu Ihezuo