13th AAG: Nigeria’s Sports Minister Charges Falconets to Defend Crown Against Ghana’s Princesses

The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, has urged Nigeria’s U-20 female national team, the Falconets, to go for victory against Ghana and defend their gold medal in the women’s football final at the ongoing African Games in Accra, Ghana.

The Minister visited the team’s camp on Tuesday and reminded the girls that they “carry our only hope in football” after Ladan Bosso’s Flying Eagles early exit from the African Games.

Enoh said the female football team has always done Nigeria proud after the country’s outing at the last Women’s World Cup, with its ranking soaring.

“You have already qualified for the u-20 World Cup in Colombia; winning the gold in the African Games will give you the right momentum to go for glory at the World Cup.”

“It matters for me to visit you all; it matters to our president and all Nigerians that you’ve come this far. The goal is to win the gold medal on Thursday, and it is an important goal for you and for the country,” Persecondnews quotes Enoh as saying.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s previous triumph in women’s football at the African Games four years earlier, the Sport Minister reminded the Falconets of their responsibility to uphold that legacy.

“Four years ago, we won gold in women’s football in Morocco, so you all have the responsibility to defend that title.”

Despite the heightened stakes as they face the host nation, Ghana, Enoh expressed confidence in the Falconets’ ability to rise to the occasion, underscoring the significance of their victory as a launchpad towards the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup in Colombia.

In his remarks, Coach Christopher Danjuma conveyed his gratitude to the Minister for his support, assuring that the team would spare no effort in making Nigerians proud.

He said, “We appreciate the Minister’s support for the team and promise to go above and beyond to achieve success.”

The team’s captain, Oluchi Ohaegbulam, re-echoed the same sentiments, affirming the squad’s commitment to exerting maximum effort in pursuit of the gold medal.

She said: “It is a privilege for us to represent the country, and we promise to work hard and give one last push towards gold.”

As the Falconets gear up to face Ghana in the women’s football final, the entire nation stands behind them, rallying in support of their quest for victory on Thursday night.