African Games: Falconets Ready To Retain Gold Against Ghana

Falconets coach, Christopher Danjuma, has tipped his players to defeat arch-rivals Ghana to retain the 2023 African Games’ Gold when both sides meet in the final on Thursday.

The Nigeria U-20 women’s team defeated Uganda 2-0 in the semi-final to book a place with Ghana.

The experienced tactician watched with delight as substitutes Judith Adaobi Okah and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, off the bench, provided the goals that sent Uganda’s U20 packing.

“We should have put away some of the chances we created in the first half, but we are happy to get two second-half goals and reach the final. It is an opportunity to retain our gold medal from the last edition in Morocco and we will do everything to win and make Nigerians happy.

Danjuma said: “In as much as we are not thinking about revenge, we know that we have unfinished business with Ghana. Our primary objective is to retain our gold medal in the African Games and by doing that, we would have sorted out the unfinished business.”

The ‘unfinished business’ that Danjuma referred to was the WAFU B U20 Championship hosted by Ghana last year, in which the host nation edged out the Falconets in the final in Kumasi to win the regional title.

Danjuma’s girls have been impressive in Cape Coast, scoring eight goals in three matches without conceding any.

The veteran gaffer made use of three different goalkeepers in the home-and-away World Cup qualifying duels against Tanzania and Burundi, but appears to have finally settled for World Cup bronze medallist Faith Omilana, who has kept goal in all matches in Cape Coast.

Shukurat Oladipo, Jumoke Alani and captain Oluchi Ohaegbulem are keeping things very tight at the back, while the experienced Yina Adoo and Chioma Olise have been boosted by Loveth Edeh and Bunmi Oladeji in the middle.

In the attack, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu and Chinyere Kalu now have to contend with Olushola Shobowale and Adaobi Okah.

Thursday’s final will commence at 8pm Ghana time (9pm Nigerian time).