By Saidu Abubakar
The Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike (JP) has saluted the “gallant” Super Falcons over their victory against the Bayana Bayana of South Africa, that guarantees their final ticket in this year’s edition of the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024, taking place in Morocco.
Ejidike gave the commendation while interacting with a group of Sports journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, shortly after the match in which the Falcons reaffirmed their superiority over their South African counterparts with a 2-1 scoreline, courtesy of goals from the captain, Rasheed Ajibade (penalty), and Michelle Allozie’s stoppage time goal.
Ejidike commended the ladies for their focus, grit, and determination that gave them the edge, in their quest for winning their 10th title, in the competition that is witnessing only its 13th edition, under the rallyimg slogan of “Mission X”.
He equally commended the Coach Justine Madugu-led technical crew for the progressive improvement that the team has been witnessing, match after match, ever since he assumed the mantle of leadership, saying he (Madugu) is making a very strong case for indigenous coaches, as the Falcons now play a brand of football that is more pleasing to the eyes than before, under his tutelage.
Meanwhile, the Nnewi-born Sports philanthropist reserves some words of commendation also, for the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), under the leadership of Mallam Ibrahim Gusau, for the supports they have been providing for the team, which make it possible for them to come this far. It would be recalled that, shortly before the competition commenced, the NFF launched a campaign, tagged “Mission X” to rally Nigerians home and abroad, to support the Super Falcons so that they can win the record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Ejidike therefore urged the ladies not to drop the ball, as they still have a final hurdle to scale, against the hosts, “The Atlas Lionesses” of Morocco, who overcame the Black Queens of Ghana, 4-2 in a penalty shootout, after 120 minutes of open play ended 1-1. He advised the girls not to under-rate the Moroccans, as they have the 12th players in the home crowd who would cheer them on, being the host, and they are likely to capitalise on that to a maximum advantage.
The final match comes up this Saturday in Casablanca.
