Super Falcons captain, Onome Ebi apologised to Nigerians following a shock defeat to South Africa in their opening game of the Women Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) during a press conference at the team hotel on Monday afternoon.
“First we want to say to Nigerians that we are very sorry for the loss yesterday. The players were down but are now motivated because we’ve spoken to ourselves and we know the reason why we are here; we’re not here to lose,” she said.
Adding that “we are here to retain our trophy and qualify for the World Cup.”
The China based defender then assured Nigerians that they will put in their best in subsequent games as they look to defend their title.
“We want to assure Nigerians that they should not give up on us. They should keep praying for us because we are not leaving here without the gold. We are definitely coming back stronger and better. They should just be assured that we are coming back with the trophy and qualify for the World Cup, we will.”
On the Zambian woman of the match, Racheal Kundanaji who threw a challenge to the Falcons saying they are like a wounded buffalo on a mission (World Cup ticket), coach Dennerby said: “it is nothing new and we know that both teams are working really hard but the only thing we can work with is to prepare our own players.”
The Super Falcons play Zambia on Wednesday evening and will be looking to kick-start their title defence with all three points against the Shepolopolo of Zambia who lead group B with three points and five goals.
