AWCON 2016: Nigeria, Cameroon in war of words

The coaches of the Nigerian and Cameroonian women teams are locked in a war of words over who wins the trophy as the African Women Cup of Nations is set to begin this weekend in Cameroon.

While Super Falcons coach Florence Omagbemi has declared that her team is in Cameroon for the trophy and nothing less, the coach of the Indomitable Lioness, Enow Ngachu is optimistic his side will win the title on home soil.

The Falcons have said that they are not under pressure but will not make the mistake of underrating any opposition.

“Though as the defending champions, a lot is expected from us, I don’t see it as a pressure because every team coming to Cameroon would want to have a go at us but we know remaining at the top is never going to be easy,” Omagbemi told CAF Online.

Read also: FIFA RANKING: Nigeria now 50th, 7th in Africa

Cameroon on their part, have their eyes fixed on lifting the title in
front of their home fans.

“In 2012, we finished third; 2014 we finished second. Now we are in 2016. What next? Finishing first of course! I believe in the ability of my girls and I know definitely this year, adding to the advantage that we are playing at home we have some very good chance,” Ngachu said.

“There has been massive improvement in the team and definitely we expect to do better. There are still a few things to do before the tournament and I believe we will firm up to be 100% ready.

“We need to take a match at a time and give our best. We are banking on the home support and we can’t afford to let them down,” the tactician concluded.

The host, who have reached the semi- finals in the last two tournaments, are housed in Group A alongside Egypt, South Africa and Zimbabwe, while Nigeria belongs to Group B alongside Mali, Ghana and Kenya.

By Ben Fidelis….

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