“Be prepared for a beating, we are coming for you,” that was USA-based Nigerian attacking midfielder Francisca Ordega’s stern warning to Harambee Starlets.
The two sides meet tonight at 9pm in a Group B dead rubber clash at the Limbe Omnisports Stadium.
Both teams come into this match with contrasting form and targets. Kenya, already out of the tournament, will be playing for pride as they search for their maiden win.
The Super Falcons on the other hand will be aiming to qualify for the semi-finals as the group winners.
The nine-time champions kicked off their title defence with a 6-0 thrashing of Mali before settling for a 1-1 draw with the Black Queens, who will be facing Mali in a potentially explosive encounter in Yaoundé at the same time.
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But with their target being to finish top of the Group, Ordega has vowed to give the East African side a hiding.
“Drawing against Ghana was an unexpected result. But our target still remains to retain our Cup; we are not here just to participate but to prove that we (Nigeria) are still in the game,” the experienced Ordega told Feverpitch.
“This is a must-win game for us. So, it is the same spirit that we played against Mali and Ghana that we are going to take against the Kenyans.
“It will be a tricky one, but we are out to replicate our day one performance.
“We don’t care whether they have never been here before or if we are the defending champions.
“What matters is how we play and retain the title. They should be aware and ready for us. We are coming for them.”
However, for Harambee Starlets striker Vivian Corazone losing two matches doesn’t mean that they are a weak team and Nigeria should underrate them at their own peril.
“We have nothing to lose. Since Nigeria are the defending champions pressure is on them. We are going to enjoy the game and gain that experience against them.
“Today’s game provides us with an opportunity to bow out of the tournament honourably.
“We might be out, but let them not underrate us. I have not scored in the last two matches, but it will be good to end the tournament with at least a goal,” the Soccer Queens striker said.
Just like Corazone, Arsenal Ladies striker and tournament’s current leading scorer Asisat Oshoala has warned her teammates not to underestimate Kenya.
“This is football you cannot tell what happens next.
“Every team that qualified for the tournament are here by merit. So, we expect a good fight from Kenya too,” Oshoala said.
