As the Nigerian female side take on the Banyana Banyana team of South Africa in the finals of the African women’s cup of nations, a lot of optimism gathers around the Nigerian’s camp ahead of the crunch finals.
The Super Falcons promised to start the game at top gear pace as they hope to retain the crown. The Nigerian female team has a huge grip on the competition according to records with only Guinea breaking that grip on two occasions.
Experience is a strong tool posed by the Falcons, but it would not be a work-over against South African side with skillful, creative, technical and energetic players. The Banyana Banyana side has already demonstrated her credentials with a 1-0 victory over the Nigerian side in the group stages of the competition.
However, historically the Falcons have the advantage having defeated their South African counterpart in 2000 at Johannesburg. The Falcons trainer at that time Ismaila Mabo believes history will repeat itself.
In an interview with Guardian newspaper, the former tactician is of the opinion that the group stage result will have no effect on the finals, citing that the Banyana Banyana team has a very slim chance of repeating that feat.
Former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, has however, urged the Falcons to approach today’s final with total commitment. Chukwu stated that the financial motivation by the NFF was enough to propel the girls against Banyana Banyana. “The Falcons will beat South Africa in the final. But they should not be too aggressive in the match, and they must avoid complacency. The Falcons should not think about the defeat to South Africa in the group stage,” Chukwu stated.