Super Falcons mercurial midfielder Ngozi Okobi believes that losing to South Africa in the team’s first game of the tournament is a blessing in disguise as it has made them understand that there are no more minnows in African women football and has also helped the team improve the tempo of their game which the South Africans will be unable to match in the final to be played on Saturday December 1st in Accra.
Speaking with footballlive.ng the Eskilstuna United DF of Sweden star said the loss was an eye opener but the mistakes will no longer be repeated. “What happened against South Africa was like an eye opener to the team but for the final, we are ready physically and mentally. The Super Falcons of Nigeria is never scared of anyone.”
The Falcons were pushed by their semi final opponents Cameroon into extra time and penalties but Okobi insists that fatigue will not be an issue as the girls have all rested and regained their energy ahead of the final showdown. “We had enough rest because we got a day off on Wednesday; we had a pool session on Thursday and also trained just once. So we are refreshed and good to go.”
The Bayana Bayana of South Africa ladies will be going into the final with loads of confidence after beating the Falcons in the opening match and cruised into the final only drawing against Zambia in the group stage but despite the form and Shape of the South Africans Okobi said the team is not under any pressure. “We are not under any pressure. Losing to the South Africans in the first leg is an eye opener because we Nigerians believe winning the AWCON is our birthright. Losing was just a statement that other countries are trying to catch up but we are not under pressure because we are the best.”
