World Cup bound Nigeria are firm favourites for the WAFU Women’s Cup after eliminating Cup holders Ghana in the second semi-final following a penalty shoot-out at the Stade Robert Champroux in Abidjan on Thursday.
The nine-time African champions set up a final match date with hosts Ivory Coast, which holds at the same venue on Saturday (today).
The encounter with Ghana was a repeat of last year’s semi-final, which the Falcons lost, and although both teams had chances to score, regulation time ended 0-0 and the game had to go into penalty shoot-out. The Black Queens fluffed two of their kicks to hand Nigeria victory. Falcons coach Thomas Dennerby said, “The competition has been quite interesting and it has been a great experience for the Super Falcons. Against the Ivorians, we will play our normal game, approach things calmly and take our chances.
“Winning the Cup would be good for the girls’ spirit and just reward for their endeavour here. It would also significantly motivate and spur those members of the team who will be going with us to the FIFA World Cup final camp in Austria on Monday.”
The Falcons are due back in Nigeria on Sunday, while the delegation to the World Cup final camp in Austria departs Nigeria on Monday night.
