The former Nigerian star Ayisat Yusuf thinks that the Super Falcons remain the team to beat in African football, after their demolition of Zambia in the quarter -finals of the 2024 women’s African Cup.
An assault in the first half propelled the side of Justine Madugu to a victory commanding 5-0 against the copper queens during the score raised at the Larbi Zaouli stadium in Casablanca.
The result not only put Africans on the right track for a tenth African record record, but also served as revenge for his previous defeat against the Zambian in the competition.
According to the icon of Finland, which won the African title during a 14 -year -old international career in charge of trophy, the Nigerian ladies have proven that they are solid suitors to the crown in Morocco.
“I must say that the victory of Nigeria over Zambia does not surprise me. Super Falcons have an incredible capacity to get up when others doubt them,” Yusuf in FlashScore.com told.
“Although this victory has taken a lot of guard, it clearly shows that Nigeria remains a dominant force in African football. They have silenced the criticisms that questioned their capacities.
“Beyond a simple victory, it sends a strong message to the teams through the continent that Nigeria is always the team to beat.
“It is a reminder that the Super Falcons are not simple participants in Morocco; they are serious contenders, determined to defend their inheritance and to pursue a tenth historic African title.
“The trip is far from over, and I am convinced that they will continue to fight with passion, heart and pride.”
After four games, the Super Falcons scored nine goals while keeping a white leaf throughout, highlighting their defensive strength.
The last time the team remained undefeated without conceding in as many games, it was during the 1998 edition, when they became African champions.
Super Falcons must avoid complacency
Yusuf, who is currently a head coach of the Viikingit FC boys’ team in Finland in Finland and is a future potential director of Super Falcons, according to the traces of Uche Echaria and Florence Omagbemi, shared its reflections on the depth of quality in the team of the coach Madugu.
“Congratulations must go to the Madugu coach for having assembled a strong and balanced team full of quality players. I really appreciate the way he set up the team”, “ She continued.
“There is no dependence on a single player and the Super Falcons play like a coherent unit, and this hunger was clear in its performance against Zambia.
“You could see the intensity, the reader and the determination of winning. When they play with this kind of energy, they are able to beat any team in this tournament.
“What is most encouraging is the way each player gets up and contributes, which says a lot about the depth and mind of the team.
“However, they should not be complacent at this critical stage. These are only two victories to be again crowned African champions, and remain concentrated, disciplined and hungry, will be the key.
“With this momentum, they are likely to make history once again.”
What was said else
Zambia coach Nora Hauptle recognized the domination of Nigeria, admitting that she deserved victory, while expressing that her team would return stronger in the next edition.
“First of all, congratulations to our opponents, in Nigeria, for a very well-deserved victory,” she said.
“We must accept that in all key moments, they have surpassed us. They won the duels in attack and defense, controlled air battles, in particular in attack and defense.
“Physically, they were stronger than us. So, for me, it was a fantastic performance on their side. We must recognize that, congratulate them and recognize that they will go far in this tournament.”
Fourth place in Nigeria in the last edition was their worst performance in the history of competition.
This edition, they hope to recover the title but must first overcome South Africa or Senegal in the semi-finals to have the chance to reach the final.
(Tagstotranslate) Football