The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has appealed to the Nigerian community in Cameroon to spare a thought for the Super Falcons and cheer the team to victory this Saturday in the final of the 2016 CAF Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Yaoundé.
In a statement, Dalung commended the team for the results recorded so far at the ongoing tournament which has propelled them to the final.
Reviewing the semifinal game against South Africa, the Minister praised the Super Falcons for bouncing back in the second half to defeat Bayana Bayana by a lone goal scored by Desire Oparanozie.
He said: “It was a tension soaked match in which I was busy praying for our team not to concede a goal. I knew that the technical crew was reading the game and would make the necessary adjustment before the resumption of the 2nd half which they did. The rest is history.”
Ahead of Saturday’s finals, Dalung appealed to the team to do everything possible to retain the title they won against Cameroon in 2014.
He urged the team to remain resolute because millions of Nigerians will be glued to their television sets to cheer them to victory.
He said: “I know it will not be an easy task playing against the host in the final of a major competition like this. Nothing more than the title will be good enough for Nigerians who will see the trophy as an early Christmas gift.”
Dalung admonished the team to do everything sportsmanly possible to emerge victorious on Saturday because “the world does not reckon with second best. We did it in 2014 against the same team and we can do it again in 2016.”
Dalung reiterated Federal Government’s support for the team as he promised that the payment of their allowances and bonuses will definitely be addressed as soon as they return to Nigeria.
He said: “I have said it before and I will say it again. As a responsible government, we do not neglect our athletes representing us anywhere in the world neither do we discriminate against teams or sports.
“We will ensure that your money is speedily processed and that you’re adequately compensated when you return. We appreciate your perseverance so far preparatory to this competition and we appeal to you once more to make the country proud by lifting the trophy on Saturday.”
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