Sweden-based Super Falcons’ defender, Glory Ogbonna has boasted that her team remains the team to beat when hostilities begin for the six-nation Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament in Lagos next month.
The former Edo Queens defence marshal was in the Falcons squad that undertook an 8-day training camp in the Austrian capital, Vienna in July as part of the intense preparations for the forthcoming football show piece.
Speaking on her expectations at the competition that will see the nine- time African champions trade tackles with Mali and Morocco in Group A, the Umeå IK star insisted that Falcons are well - equipped to emerge victorious at the prestigious tournament named in honour of Nigeria's First Lady.
"As champions of Africa, we have a status to defend. I am aware that no team should be underrated but Super Falcons remains the team to beat. Be it Mali, Morocco or any other country, they can never be a serious threat to us. For sure, it is going to be a great competition and I relish the challenge it brings. The teams will definitely put up lots of effort to battle for supremacy and make appreciable impact in the competition.
"I know Lagos will be the perfect home for us and it is always good to play right in front of your home fans as it gives the players the extra energy to bring out the desired result, " Ogbonna assured.
The City of Aquatic Splendour is primed to open her doors to the best of African women teams from 13th – 21st September.
Aisha Buhari Cup: Morocco aim to come out on top - Coach Pedros
Head Coach of Morocco’s Women National Team, Reynald Pedros is targeting his first successful campaign on the continent ahead of the Aisha Buhari Cup in Nigeria in September.
The Atlas Lionesses will compete in the maiden edition of the six-nation championship organised in honour of Nigeria's First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Aisha Buhari, and the 49-year-old French tactician, who was engaged in November 2020, shared his great delight in his side's invitation.
"It is a tournament that will be great, seeing that we have all the best African teams, the quality is there. Competing will enable us to create a group and test ourselves against the best African nations. So, it is a beautiful opportunity for us in Morocco to participate in the tournament," he continued.
On the importance of the competition, he further said: "It's important to examine ourselves as we are still a work in progress. We still have 11 months until the Women AFCON, meaning we still have enough time. This will be the first tournament that we are going to have aside friendly matches. It is now left to us to do the maximum to be able to advance by applying necessary teachings to be able to progress and to be able to get ready for the Women AFCON by July next year.”
Morocco will launch their campaign against Nigeria in the opening match at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos on 13th September before squaring up against Mali four days later at the same venue.
PHOTO: Coach Pedros
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