Morocco 2022: Pinnick charges Falcons to retain WAFCON crown

The President of the Nigeria Football Association, Amaju Pinnick, has charged the national female football team, Super Falcons, to retain their Africa Women Cup of Nations crown in Morocco.

The Super Falcons will begin their campaign in the 12th instalment of the biggest women’s football tournament on the continent against rivals, South Africa, on Monday, July 4, at the Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

In a meeting with the team on Monday in Abuja, Pinnick called urged the squad to be united, form an indivisible team spirit, and be ambassadors for the country and role models to the young players.

He said, “Nothing can undermine a team that is fully focused, united in aspiration, and working and walking on the same wavelength.

“I want you to go to Morocco as one indivisible force, allow your passion to be fueled by patriotism and be good ambassadors of our great nation.

“You all have a responsibility to be good role models and great motivators to our younger players (in the youth teams). Beyond all, you must be beacons of discipline and dedication, and exhibit exemplary conduct on and off the pitch.

Pinnick added that the NFF will continue to support the team by providing a conducive environment for the players and technical crew.

“We won the trophy at the last tournament in Ghana and I believe we have the team to retain it. The NFF will continue to support and encourage the team with the best of preparations, a conducive environment and a comfortable stay at the championship in Morocco,” he stated.

In the qualifying series for the tournament, the Super Falcons defeated Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire to pick a ticket to Morocco.

Apart from South Africa, Nigeria will also face then Botswana on July 7, and Burundi on July 10, as part of their Group C fixtures at the Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan Stadium.

Nigeria is also gunning for a spot at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as the semifinalists at the 2022 WAFCON will automatically represent Africa in Australia and New Zealand.