The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, has urged the Super Falcons and the national under-23 men’s team to give the country a good representation as both teams leave for crucial games in the race to the 2016 Olympic Games.
Pinnick, who met the Falcons at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, on their way to Bata, where they would face their Equatorial Guinean counterparts on Sunday, gave some words of encouragement to the team.
“The whole country is proud of what you have done in the past, winning seven African Women Championship titles out of nine so far, and qualifying for the Olympics in 2000, 2004 and 2008.
“Your superiority on the African continent has never been in doubt. What is left is for us to take that capability to the global stage. The entire nation has faith in you to overcome in Equatorial Guinea and eventually qualify for the Olympics,” he told the players.
The Falcons have a battle on their hands, having only drawn the first leg at home 1-1 against the only other substantial rival they have on the African continent.
“On Sunday, Nigerians expect you to deliver as you have always done. A place in the final round of the qualifying race to the Olympics is certainly within your grasp.”
In his response, Coach Christopher Danjuma gave the assurance that the Falcons would take the Sunday, August 2 match as a battle that must be won.
“The way it is, we have no choice but to fight and fight, because we must score goals. I want to assure Nigerians that my team is up to the task.”
