Super Falcons stars Osinachi Ohale and Onome Ebi and head coach Thomas Dennerby are optimistic of Nigeria’s chances of bouncing back against Zambia at the ongoing the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON).
To the surprise of many, Nigeria lost their opening game to South Africa through an 85th-minute strike by Thembi Kgatlana. The Super Falcons loss put them in a precarious position in the group as they need to win their remaining two games.
There have been questions raised since the defeat if the Super Falcons can defend the title the won at the 2016 edition in Cameroon.
Speaking ahead of the encounter with Zambia, Super Falcons veteran defender Onome is looking beyond the defeat to South Africa and already has her eyes of the final.
In a press conference organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Ebi stated that the Super Falcons still have what it takes to emerge champions at the end of the tournament.
She said, "We are sorry (for the loss to South Africa). We were down but not out...we're not leaving here without the trophy."Onome’s partner in defence Ohale also had words of encouragement for the team as she sat beside head coach Thomas Dennerby who assured the Super Falcons will bounce back.
She said, “The defeat against South Africa was a difficult result because we never expected it, but it happened the way it happened and we have learned a lot from it.Thomas Dennerby has assured Nigerians that his team with bounce back from their opening group game defeat. Dennerby said that his team will correct the mistakes they made against South Africa in their next game.
"We are working very hard and ready to fight with everything within us to win tomorrow."
He said, “I remain optimistic, the aim has not changed and we are definitely securing a ticket to the World Cup in France.The Super Falcons are yet to register a point in the group and face an uphill task to qualify from the group. They take on the Shepolopolo of Zambia who beat Equatorial Guinea 5-0 in their opening clash.
“We hope to go all the way to the final in this tournament again, and of course we need to win against Zambia.
Nigeria will face Zambia at the Cape Coast Stadium on Wednesday, November 21 at 4 pm.
This post first appeared on Wolexis Sports Blog | Nigeria's Online Sports Mag, please read the originial post: here
