Nigerian International Ogenyi Onazi has lauded the Super Falcons for their impressive run at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following a commanding 5-0 victory over Zambia in the quarterfinals on Friday, but warns them not to get carried away.
The nine-time African champions delivered a statement performance at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chiwendu Ihezuo, Tosin Demehin, and Folashade Ijamilusi sealing a place in the semifinals.
Prior to that, the Super Falcons were one of two teams who did not concede a single goal during the group stage, finishing top of their group with two wins and a draw while maintaining their status as one of the tournament’s most formidable sides.
Speaking with Bold Sports, Onazi who won the 2013 AFCON with Nigeria, praised the team’s performances so far but reminded them to remain grounded as the competition intensifies.
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“Amazing, amazing tournament for them. They are done with the group stage and the last game they won 5-0,” he said. “I just want to tell them that this is like waking up other teams. When you win these kinds of matches with this kind of goal margin, the other teams, it’s either they are scared or they are prepared for you.”
He added: “The stage is getting more tough, so I guess that they shouldn’t be carried away with what they won in the last game, just continue to keep on that same energy.”
“Nigerians are always optimistic; we want to win the tournament. So that is just how it is. When you win 5-0 everybody will think you are going to win the tournament. But it’s not like that. It’s getting tougher, and then you need to put more energy and keep up the winning spirit.”
Having secured victory over Zambia, the Super Falcons will await the outcome of Saturday’s quarterfinal between South Africa and Senegal to discover their semifinal opponents.
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