Paris 2024: Sanusi calls on residents of Abuja and environs to troop out to support Falcons

By Rasheed Adewuyi

The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, has implored Nigerians based in the Federal capital, Abuja, and environs, and indeed from neighboring States, to troop out in large 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 South Africa.

Nine-time African champions Nigeria and reigning African champions South Africa clash in a potentially explosive affair at 5 pm on Friday in Nigeria’s magnificent sporting facility. The return leg is due for Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld arena on Tuesday next week.

“The NFF is calling on Nigerians from all over the Federal Capital Territory and the neighboring 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 especially appeal to our people to come en masse and support the Super Falcons. We need to get a big win here to be in good standing before flying to South Africa. A handsome win here will bolster our ladies’ confidence and mentality to overcome in Pretoria,” Sanusi said.

Nigeria had not participated in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament since 2008 when the Falcons lost all three matches in the group phase in China.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said on Wednesday that the objective of Africa’s leading women’s team, the Falcons, has remained the same since the beginning of the qualifiers.

“Since playing Ethiopia, we have been committed to seeing these qualification series through. Our objective has always been to win a slot in 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. However, that is not the motivation this time. The motivation is qualifying for the Olympics.”

Nigeria emerged as Africa’s top team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand eight months ago. They were unbeaten in regulation time before exiting in the Round of 16 courtesy of a penalty shootout defeat by England.

At lunchtime on Wednesday, captain Ajibade and 20 other players were in the Super Falcons’ camp. The team had its first training session at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Wednesday morning.

The Banyana Banyana delegation arrived in Nigeria on Sunday.

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