Super Falcons trainer Thomas Dennerby has heaped praises to his footballer following their victory over Banyana Banyana team of South Africa in the African Women cup of nation’s showpiece in Ghana.
The Super Falcons edged the South African team 4-3 on penalties after a barren draw in normal and regulation time of the finale to retain the continental crown and avenge for the earlier defeat in the group stages.
“It’s been a wonderful tournament for us,” Dennerby said at the post-match conference.
“This was the best passing game we’ve had in the tournament and the defence was alert on the day, so I must commend the entire team for a good job well done.
“We are happy once again and we will go back, celebrate and start preparing for the World Cup next year.
“Going forward I think women’s football in Africa is fast improving and very soon it will rival the men’s competition in terms of support and interest.
“The game was very tough in all aspects and South Africa showed character and they did their best to get yet another victory but today our team was more compact..
The Super Falcons were welcomed by Alhaji Abba Kyari on behalf of the President, NFF Secretary-General Mohammed Sanusi as well as other officials at the Starview Hotel.
“On behalf of Mr. President, who is not in the country at the moment, we say welcome and well done to you. We are proud of you and your representation of the country. Infact, as we were leaving the airport, two eminent Nigerians called and donated the sum of N50million and N25 million respectively to your team. Please rest very well. We will get back to you with the activities lined up for you in the coming days.”
It was revealed that Business Tycoons Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu were the one that donated the sums.
General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said: “On behalf of the leadership of the NFF, we are grateful for the support from the Nigerian Government which has seen the team excel at the Cup of Nations.
The girls have promised to do their best to represent the country very well at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”