Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has charged the Falconets of Nigeria to defend their gold medal in the women’s football final at the ongoing African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Enoh gave this charge during his visit to the team’s camp on Tuesday, amid their preparations for the crucial final.
He pointed out the significance of their mission, highlighting the national importance of bringing home the gold.
“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,” he said.
Commenting 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.
Enoh was confident of 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 despite facing the host nation, Ghana.
Responding, Coach Christopher Danjuma appreciated the Minister for his support, assuring that the team would do everything possible 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.
Also speaking, the team’s captain, Oluchi Ohaegbulam affirmed 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.
