By Emeka Dennar
Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie says the Super Falcons will take a game-by-game approach as they begin their quest to defend the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.
The reigning African champions are targeting a successful title defence and a FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket when the 14th edition of the tournament kicks off from July 26 to August 16.
Speaking to thenff.com, Nnadozie — regarded as one of the world’s top female shot-stoppers and currently serving her third consecutive year as African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year — stressed that the team cannot afford to be distracted by expectations.
“We will take it one match at a time because we cannot afford to stumble at any stage as a result of over-confidence,” the Brighton goalkeeper said. “We will be focused squarely on the double targets of a FIFA World Cup ticket and retaining the trophy.”
The 10-time champions have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and debutants Malawi.
The shot-stopper dismissed suggestions that some groups are tougher than others, insisting that there are no easy opponents in African women’s football anymore.
“Honestly, right now in Africa, there are no longer minnows,” Nnadozie said. “There will be a lot of surprises in this tournament because the so-called smaller teams will be eager to show they are not pushovers. Every team deserves respect and must be taken seriously.”
While acknowledging the challenge ahead, the goalkeeper made it clear that Nigeria’s ambitions remain unchanged.
“For us, we know what we are going for — the Cup and the World Cup ticket. It will not be easy, but we are the Super Falcons of Nigeria.”
