Nigeria Falcons eager to claw Harambee Starlets

Nigeria women's team celebrate beating Cameroon.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have quickly switched their attention to tomorrow’s (6pm) ‘must win match’ against the Harambee Starlets, at Limbe Omnisports Stadium.

The nine time Africa Women’s Cup of Nations champions battled to a 1-1 draw against Ghana in a thrilling Group B encounter on Wednesday, leaving the top spot battle wide open with a game to go.

Nigeria and Ghana are currently tied on points (four), but the Super Falcons are at the summit courtesy of a better goal difference.

The Black Queens will fly to Yaoundé to face with third placed Mali in an equally decisive match the same day.

It is a situation that Nigeria coach Florence Omagbemi is fully aware of as they aim to defend the title they won in Namibia in 2014.

“We didn’t expect a draw against Ghana, but it went that way. We still have a third game to play against Kenya and we are looking forward to that. When we are done with the Kenyan team, we can know what’s next. Playing against a team that has nothing to lose in such a competition is always difficult.

“But I just want my players to refocus, play convincingly and get good results tomorrow. Hopefully, we can top the group,” said Omagbemi.

Commenting on their draw with Ghana, the former Nigeria captain said: “It was great game for both teams, we all played well. The Ghanaians really gave us a good game.”

Just like Omagbemi, Ghana coach Yusif Basigi is eager to secure a top spot in their group.

“Like I earlier said, we don’t want to underestimate any team. Even though Nigeria beat Mali (6-0), we also have to approach that match with all seriousness it deserves in order to qualify to the next stage,” said Basigi.

“The top spot battle is still open to both of us and it is the last game that will determine who qualifies as number one. It is because of that reason that we are going back to the drawing board to see how to handle Mali.

“We know Nigeria are also going to up their tactical approach against Kenya.”