Cameroon have another opportunity to lift the elusive women’s Africa Cup of Nations when they play favourites Nigeria in a grand final on Saturday.
The Super Falcons have enjoyed a strong hold on the biennial event but the hosts this term would be hoping to usurp the African football giant.
Cameroon hosted Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Kenya and Mali, aside Nigeria during the tournament. Mali are replacement for Equatorial Guinea who were disqualified for fraud whilst fielding a player. Guinea are the only side that have ever stopped Nigeria from lifting the title. Equatorial Guinea won the title in 2008 and 2012, denying the only dominant female team in Africa.
The top two sides in two groups of four advanced to the semi finals where Nigeria trounced South Africa and Cameroon defeated Ghana. Cameroon want to be the top side in African women football and advance to another World Cup after participating in their first in 2015. Armed with one of the longest serving women football coaches in Africa, Enow Ngachu, Cameroon want to have the last laugh against Nigeria on home soil.
Nigeria would have it difficult when they play Cameroon who are yet to concede a goal this term courtesy of a solid defence. The Indomitable Lionesses have rather been having problems scoring goals. Even 24-year old striker Gaelle Enganamoit – a BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year nominee – has not been able to contribute the much-needed goals, probably as a result of the lengthy injury she only just returned from.
“Mentally, physically, psychologically, we are ready for the game on Saturday. We have experienced players that can deal with any situation,” Nigerian coach Florence Omagbemi has said ahead of the clash. Nigeria has scored 12 goals so far with Arsenal striker Asisat Oshoala scoring half.
