Super Falcons ready to defend AWCON trophy – Onome Ebi
Super Falcons captain, Onome Ebi, has sounded a note of warning to other teams vying to wrestle the Africa Women Cup of Nations’ trophy from them to have a rethink as she said the reigning champions are ready to defend their title.
While speaking to the NFF TV, the 39-year-old veteran defender who will be the oldest player at this year’s AWCON tournament in Morocco acknowledged that other teams will want to win the coveted trophy.
“We have been preparing since January with international friendly games. We are very prepared and we know how important this competition is. We are going to retain our trophy as we have new players who are blending well with the old players.
“We are looking forward to winning it for the 10th time. Lifting the trophy will be a dream come true for me. It will be something I won’t forget in my career. We know other countries will be fighting against us and we will work extra hard to keep the trophy. It won’t be easy but we are up to task,” she said.
Onome further said the opening game against South Africa will prepare and strengthen the team for the finals which she is confident the team will reach.
“Playing South Africa will be a very good game and it will be an opportunity for us to play against a good team and prepare us well to reach the finals. The game will strengthen the team more. We are going for nothing but victory,” she declared.
The Super Falcons are the record holder with nine titles and will attempt to extend their grip on African women football in Morocco.
They will open their campaign on Monday, July 4 against rivals, Bayana Bayana of South Africa in Rabat.
The Falcons will also play Botswana (Thursday, 7th July) and Burundi (Sunday, 10th July) in the group phase.
All four semi-finalists in Morocco will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand next year, with the fifth-placed team handed an opportunity to also gain a place through a Playoff Tournament taking place early next year.