The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has revealed that the Super Falcons were not only reduced to nine players when they lost to host Morocco in the ongoing Women Africa Cup of Nations, they were also intimidated by fans who directed laser lights at them.
The president revealed this in a statement by the NFF media team, wherein he praised the performance of the ladies.
He said: “Of course, we would have been happy to be in the final and chase a 10th title.
“But I am happy with the performance of the team and the way and manner they approached the game despite all sorts of setbacks and intimidation.
“To play 50 minutes of a game with only nine players is not an easy task.
“The Super Falcons gave their all and were truly fabulous.
“They had the ‘Nigeria spirit’ in them and showed a sense of patriotism, were dogged, and refused to give up. Penalties are forever a lottery, so it could have gone either way.
“I commend the team for the outing.
“Our girls did a massive job on a night they were not only depleted but challenged by laser lights trained on their eyes by the crowd.
“I am enamoured by their resilience and tenacity.”