Kickoff (Cape Town)
21 November 2008
Super Falcons' assistant skipper Kikelomo Ajayi has calmed frayed nerves of Nigerian football fans, with a bold declaration that the squad will grab victory on Saturday, when they play Banyana Banyana in their last group game at the 6th African Women's Championship in Bata, Equatorial Guinea.
The ace defender, a female police inspector declared yesterday on Nigeria's Sports Radio 88.9 Brila FM that the Falcons will get victory over the South Africans and qualify for the semi-finals of the competition.
Although fans are calling for their heads, after two lacklustre performances, in which the Falcons drew 1-1 against Ghana and 0-0 with Tunisia, Mama-Yaro admitted that they now face a must win match against the South Africans, who beat Ghana 1-0 on Wednesday.
She, however, insisted that the players did their best against Tunisia, but said they were just unfortunate not to get a goal and the three points.
"We are not bothered with our performance so far. We are not disappointed because we did not lose the match against Tunisia. We got a draw, unlike Ghana who lost to South Africa.
"We played very well and did our best but the goals did not come. I want everyone to know that a lot of African teams are coming up, but we will qualify," Ajayi added.
Meanwhile, Under-17 female national team, Flamingoes chief coach, Felix Ibeukwu has expressed shock at the shoddy performance of the Super Falcons in Equatorial Guinea.
The coach is now pointing accusing fingers at the players for alleged lack of commitment.
"It is unfortunate that a lot of things are happening with women's football in this country. The players should have more commitment, but that's not the case any longer."
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