We’re still the best in Africa – Super Falcons stars after losing to Morocco

Super Falcons stars boasts that they’re still the best team in Africa despite losing to Morocco in a match filled with controversies.

Super Falcons lost to Morocco in a poised encounter on Monday night in front of over 40,000 Moroccans at Stade Moulay Abdallah.

The nine-times champions lost 5-4 on penalties to Morocco after 120 minutes of football, with Ifeoma Onumonu getting her penalty saved .

Nine-woman Super Falcons played most of the match with players sent off. Midfielder Halimatu Ayinde and forward Rasheedat Ajibade received red cards in the 48th and 71st minutes respectively for poor tackles.

Woman of the Match, Chiamaka Nnadozie has showered praises on her teammate and described the match as the “worst game of her life.”

“The whole Moroccan team knew that Nigeria is a great team, so to beat us they had to distract us. They did everything they did just to distract us.

“Since I have been playing football, this is the worst match I have ever played in my life.

“They won but this is not winning for me. The officiating was not really okay. If they were good enough, we were nine players against 11, they would have scored and won. That is to show you how great we are.”

The Paris FC goalkeeper dedicated her Player of the Match award to her teammates for their dogedness.

“I’m proud to have won the player of the match award in Monday’s game, to my great Super Falcons, I dedicate this award to you all. To our amazing fans, thank you for the support and encouragement. It’s not over until it’s over.”

Ever present skipper of the side, Onome Ebi, was subbed off in the second half of the game due to a hamstring injury, praised her teammates for fighting till the end, “All I have to say to this amazing team is that I am super proud of us all,” she wrote on her official social media handle on Tuesday.

“We lost the game but we fought till the end against all odds. Falcons we remain unstoppable. Thank you all for standing with us, we keep going stronger.”

Present top scorer in the tournament, Rasheedat Ajibade who also couldn’t finish the match as she was sent off endowed praises on the super falcons for standing strong.

“Words ain’t enough to describe the passion, resilience, tenacity of this @NGSuper_Falcons team, we remain the best. Super proud of you all,” Ajibade tweeted.

Ashleigh Plumptre who started the match as a left back but had to slot into the center back position when Captain Onome Ebi was forced off due to injury, said;

“I don’t think anybody can fault the players on the pitch for how we tried to fight,

“Even with nine players, for that amount of time, because it is not just the physical side, it is also the emotional and mental side, the frustration of having two players coming off. I am not going to comment on the decision, but that affects everybody on the pitch. Most of us were tired but we still put in a good effort.”

Nigeria will now face Zambia who also lost in a controversial match against South Africa. The match will be a battle for the bronze medal on Friday.

Bayana Bayan of South Africa will also play against the Atlas Lioness of Morocco for the prestigious trophy on Saturday.