Nigeria’s female national team, Super Falcons’ coach, Thomas Dennerby has declared that the players are eager to win the West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Women’s Cup of Nations against the hosts, Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday, because it would be a huge boost to their morale heading into the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Although the Falcons relied on penalties to beat Ghana in Thursday’s semi-final, after playing out a drab goalless draw, Dennerby said he is satisfied with the team’s performances so far in Abidjan, and believes they can beat Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday.
Dennerby gave his players thumbs up after eliminating the defending champions at Stade Robert Champroux, and believes that the nine-time African queens can do better against Cote d’Ivoire at the same venue.
The encounter with Ghana was a repeat of last year’s semi final, which the Falcons lost and, although regulation time ended 0-0 and the game had to go into a shoot-out, Dennerby insists his lasses are good enough.
The Swedish gaffer added: “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.”
