President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has praised the Super Falcons of Nigeria for their remarkable progress hrough to the final of the 2016 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.
Desire Oparanozie was the hero for the Nigerian ladies in Tuesday’s semi final clash as her thunderous second half free kick proved to be enough to hand the Falcons a 1-0 win over the hard fighting Bayana Bayana of South Africa to seal a place in saturday's African Women's Championship final. Interestingly, it was the first start for Oparanozie in this competition and she proved she deserved the role with the strike that has taken the Falcons into the final. A 54th minute free-kick by Desiree Oparanozie was all that was needed to fire the nine-time champions to the final as they seek to retain the title they won two years ago in Namibia.
Nigeria, who have only conceded a goal in the tournament, will face rivals Cameroon who defeated Ghana by a lone goal on saturday for the 10th AWCON final at The Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaounde.
President Buhari expressed his delight with the ladies' performances as he anticipates Saturday's final.
"Our Super Falcons have made Nigeria proud again. The entirr country looks forward to the #AWCON2016 Final on Saturday," President Buhari tweeted. However the Bayana Bayana gave the Falcons a run for their money as goalkeeper Alaba Jonathan was called to action on several occasion but at the end the Nigerian Ladies held on.
They will now face hosts, Cameroon who beat Ghana also by a lone goal in the other semi final game in Saturday’s final.This is the 10th time Nigeria will make the final in 12 editions.The Super Falcons are targeting an astonishing 8th African title in Cameroon.
