Banyana Banyana of South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis has explained why she believes the Super Falcons remain the dominant team in Africa.
On Monday, the Falcons will begin the defence of their title when they face South Africa in their 2022 WAFCON Group C opener.
Their last encounter in the competition was in the final of the 2018 edition in Ghana which the Falcons won 4-3 on penalties.
When the two teams met at last year’s Aishat Buhari Cup in Lagos, South Africa triumphed 4-2.
And speaking at a Press Conference on Sunday afternoon, Ellis stated that consistency on the part of the Falcons have continued to set them apart from other teams on the continent.
“The first game of the tournament is always the biggest game and this makes it even better because it’s against defending champions Nigeria and because it is Nigeria, the game is bigger than what it is supposed to be.
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“We want to start well and we know it is going to be a tough encounter. They are not Champions for nothing.
“They have been consistent over the years and that is one area that we need to improve on; to be consistent in our performances and be classified amongst the best.
“It’s all about the three points at the moment and getting the tournament to a good start.”
Ellis was in charge of Banyana Banyana when they lost to the Falcons in the 2018 final.
This year’s tournament kicked off on Saturday with hosts Morocco pipping debutants Burkina Faso 1-0 in Group A.
On Sunday, Tunisia recorded the biggest win margin following their 4-1 triumph over Togo who had a player sent off while Cameroon and Zambia played goalless.
Also on Sunday, Senegal marked their return to the competition with a 2-0 win against Uganda.
The 2022 WAFCON tournament also doubles as the African qualifiers to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The top four teams will qualify for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, and two more teams will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.
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COMMENTS
I think a draw will be ok for this match
Nope….super falcons should not go into any game with any African opponent expecting a draw. They’ve ruled the continent for decades and they still have it. Moreover, they’ve got everything to win the game. However, a draw is not the worst result for a start.
If we are playing the likes of Canada and the USA drawing 2-2 with Canada and loosing by 2-0 to the us and playing beautiful football then I don’t think South Africa can stop us.
South Africa have a very good squad and their players are in big leagues in Europe too… So I think we need to be humble and respect South Africa for instance thier first choice Striker Thembi starts more games than one of the best players on our rooster Rasheedat. it is high time Nigeria stops boastfulness and does the talking on the field of play.
What are you talking about? Nothing arrogant or boastful about having confidence and knowing what you can do. The fact that super falcons have won 9 out of the 11 titles says a lot, and that’s not boastfulness but fact. And if there is a team that needs to do the talking on the pitch, it’s definitely SA, not the super falcons, because the record is there. However, I acknowledge the fact that the game will be tough for super falcons, but it’s not one they can’t win. Peace! Best of luck to the girls today.
@Abdul I hope you have seen it now. Please let Super Falcons fans and media alike stop the boastfulness after all Brazil dominated football but their over arrogance in Brazil 2014 caused Germany to bring a 100 000 capacity crowd to tears like babies people need to learn to be humble. and Now countries have caught with Brazil because of arrogance and boastfulness!. Thank you. Humility is always key. In saying that this defeat to SA maybe a blessing in disguise! and spur Falcons to grater heights
Abdul show your face o. Sometimes a little humbleness can bring luck. Learn it.
All the best super falcon
Falcons know Bayanabayana very well, there is no way they would be underrated but I believe we still have chance of winning the trophy.
we seem to forget South Africa won an Inaugural tournament played In Lagos Last year on our home Soil.. Yes Falcons can Beat SA but SA have recently proven they can stop us and won a tournament in our Back Yard let us do the talking on the Pitch.
Up Super Falcons, Go Nigeria
NIGERIA VS SOUTH AFRICA(2-4)-GOALS&HIGHLIGHTS-AISHA BUHARI CUP – September 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrNF730nKng
Any Link For The Match
Let’s wish Nigeria good luck today. It is going to be a Nile biting game.
South Africans are more fitter than our robust players but I wish us the best and see this as the main test for the coach to know if he is the chosen one.
A draw will be fine, but i think the falcons have a slight edge at this time. Banyana Banyana recent outings are not encouraging; regardless, is going to be a tough game.