The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has charged Nigeria’s U20 female national team, the Falconets, to clinch victory against Ghana team and defend their gold medal in the women’s football final at the ongoing African Games in Accra, Ghana.
During his visit to the team’s camp on Tuesday, amid their preparations for the crucial final, Enoh stressed the significance of their mission, emphasizing the national importance of bringing home the gold.
He stated, “It matters for me to visit you all, it matters to our president and all Nigerians that you’ve come this far. The goal is to win the gold medal on Thursday, and it is an important goal for you and for the country.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s previous triumph in women’s football at the African Games four years prior, the Minister reminded the Falconets of their responsibility to uphold that legacy.
“Four years ago, we won gold in women’s football in Morocco, so you all have the responsibility to defend that title and return to Nigeria with the gold medal,” he asserted.
Despite the heightened stakes as they face the host nation, Ghana, Enoh expressed confidence in the Falconets’ ability to rise to the occasion, underscoring the significance of their victory as a launchpad towards the FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup in Colombia.
In response, Coach Christopher Danjuma conveyed his gratitude to the Minister for his support, assuring that the team would spare no effort in making Nigerians proud.
“We appreciate the Minister for supporting the team, and we promise to go the extra mile to achieve success,” Danjuma affirmed.
The team’s captain, Oluchi Ohaegbulam re-echoed the same sentiments, affirming the squad’s commitment to exerting maximum effort in pursuit of the gold medal.
“It is a privilege for us to represent the country, and we promise to work hard and give one last push towards gold,” the captain declared.