ABUJA – Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo, on Thursday in Abuja praised the efforts of the national senior women football team in qualifying for the final of the 2014 African Women Championship (AWC).
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Patrick Omorodion, the minister also congratulated the Super Falcons for picking a ticket to the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Falcons had on Wednesday defeated South Africa 2-1 in the first semi-final match of the ongoing 9th AWC in Windhoek, Namibia.
The victory over the Banyana Banyana came courtesy of goals from Asisat Oshoala, the Most Valuable Player and top scorer at 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in August.
While congratulating the Edwin Okon-tutored team, Danagogo who is also the Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), charged the players to remain focused.
“The feat is commendable, and the players should continue with the winning mentality until the trophy is finally won on Saturday against Cameroon,’’ the statement quoted him to have said.
NAN reports that Cameroon had, in reaching the final, also edged out Cote D’Ivoire 2-1 in the second semi-final match.
“The girls have done the country proud and I commend them first for picking one of the tickets for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup scheduled for Canada, and then for reaching the final of the AWC.
“I urge them to remain focused for the final match so as to reclaim the title they lost two years ago,” the minister had said.
The statement added that the minister disclosed that he would be in Namibia with President Goodluck Jonathan’s goodwill message to the team and to cheer the players to victory.
“I’ll be joining the team in Namibia to take Mr. President’s words of encouragement and support to them.
“Mr. President has assured that he is waiting to receive and reward them when they win the trophy like he has always done for our athletes who bring honour to our country,” Danagogo was quoted as saying.
NAN reports that the Falcons have won six out of the previous eight editions of the competition which began in 1998.
They had lost the title in 2008 and 2012 to Equatorial Guinea, but have qualified for every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since its inception in 1991.(NAN)
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