Nigeria's women national team will seek to be crowned as African champions for a record seventh time when they meet rivals Cameroon in the final of the 2014 African Women Championship on Saturday in Windhoek. The Super Falcons, favourites for the title, will also look to avenge a 1-0 defeat to the Lionessess in the third-place play-off of Equatorial Guinea 2012.
Nigeria's confidence lies hugely upon youngster Asisat Oshoala whose first half brace inspired coach Edwin Okon’s team to a resilient 2-1 semi-final victory over South Africa and helped the former champions to become the first African team to qualify for the 2015 Fifa Women's World Cup in Canada.
Interestingly, Oshoala’s superb volley in the 85th minute made the biggest difference as Nigeria overcame Cameroon 1-0 in an international friendly played in Abuja on April 30.
As the Rivers Angels' young sensation continues to reach to her potentials after a sluggish start to making her presence count at the tournament, the final provides another window for her to show the beauty of her football prowess.
As the Rivers Angels' young sensation continues to reach to her potentials after a sluggish start to making her presence count at the tournament, the final provides another window for her to show the beauty of her football prowess.
The team will also depend on the striking prowess of Desire Oparanozie and Francesca Ordega, the new generation of Nigerian women who are looking to dominate the continent while the older generation of Perpetua Nkwocha and Stella Mbachu watch from the bench.
Importantly, it is coach Okon's first ever final in his international coaching career after being denied a final ticket at the Japan 2012 Fifa U20 Women's World Cup as head coach of the Falconets.
Okon's side will seek to avenge their 2012 third-place defeat against Cameroon countesy of dynamic forward Gaelle Enganamouit, who will be hoping to make history by lifting their first ever AWC trophy in16 years.
In the eight previous meetings in the championship, Nigeria hold an overwhelming advantage over their neighbours having won seven times, while Cameroon have managed only a victory.
The Nigerian ladies have scored a total of 28 goals and conceded four in all the previous eight games played against Cameroon since the inception of the Championship in 1998.
Meanwhile, coach Ngachu Enow’s side, which edged out Cote d’ivoire 2-1 after extra-time in the second semi-final game played on Wednesday night, will hope for an upset in the final.
While brave captain Christine Manie, who scored a late extra-time winner to see off the resilient Ivorians in Windhoek ensured the Lionesses qualified for their maiden Fifa Women’s World Cup will, surely hope to shine against Nigeria.
Another worry for the Nigerian girls, largely dominated by Rivers Angels players, is the presence of Cameroonian defender Cathy Bou Jouh who plays for the same club. She will desire to upset her club mates in this ninth meeting of both sides.
The final match is slated for the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday by 7pm Nigerian time.
source: goal.com
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