Super Falcons eye semis

Desire Oparanozie

Favourites Nigeria are hoping to become the first team to qualify for the semis when they face Zambia in their Group A Day Two clash on Tuesday at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
Fresh from their 4-2 thumping of Ivory Coast in their opening match, the Super Falcons are highly tipped to brush aside the debutants to either wrap up their place in the semis or inch closer to the next stage.
Despite an unconvincing output against ‘Les Elephantes’, Nigeria coach Edwin Okon says his side will be up to the task against the Zambians, who suffered a 2-0 loss to hosts Namibia in the tournament opener.
“We have been working on our mistakes to score from the chances we create. We are sure we will overcome that aspect in our next game against Zambia,” Okon told Cafonline.com.
With the huge gap of experience between the two teams, the Nigerian trainer has ruled out an easy walk against the debuting She-polopolo.
“They (Zambia) will be no pushovers and we won’t underrate them. The work will be done on the pitch and we are ready to work for our money.”
The ever-confident Okon declared that their target is ultimate glory and the game against Zambia is one of many that will lead them to that goal.
“We are here to reclaim the trophy. A champion is always a champion and we are only praying for mother luck,” he added.
The Falcons have won the title a record six times, in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010, and are poised to extend their dominance yet again.
Kangwa Kangwa, Assistant coach of Zambia, reckons this will be a stiff test against a Nigerian side, unarguably the most experienced at the championship.
Happy with the progression despite the opening defeat, Kangwa has warned a surprise could be up for the highly rated Nigerian team.
“We are proud of our performance so far except the result was not on our side. We are heading in the right direction.
“Nigeria has rich experience and the platform is never easy to play against the champions. There will be no excuses however,” Kangwa told Cafonline.com.
Defender Ethel Chama is ruled out of the game after suffering an injury in the opener against Namibia, but right-back Emelda Musonda says they are ready for the test against the Super Falcons.
“We are looking forward to the game with Nigeria and morale in our camp is very high. We have to be focused on the pitch and will put in a lot to get a win.”
Hosts Namibia will face Ivory Coast in the other Group A match later at the same venue.
By SuperSports