Exclusive News
The Falconets of Nigeria will face arch rival Lioness of Cameroon in the women football finals at the Boubker Aamer Stadium, Algiers at 2000 hours local time on Thursday in their quest for a triple title.
Nigeria and Cameroon have both chalked off medals thrice each in the tournament that we are seeing the 5th schedule.
Nigeria bagged Gold twice, at Abuja in 2003 (defeated South Africa 1-0) and Algiers in 2007 (defeated South Africa 4-0) with a 4th place at the last games in Brazzaville in 2015 (losing 1-2 to Ivory Coast).
Cameroon won Gold in 2011 at Mozambique (beat Ghana 1-0); got Silver at the last games in Brazzaville in 2015 and Bronze at Abuja in 2003 (beat Mali 1-0).
Nigeria had in the 1st semifinal played Monday drubbed Algeria 3-0 with a brace from 19 year old Cynthia Aku who scored in 16’ and 26’ before Zainab Oloyede topped it up in 90’.
In the 2nd semifinal that just ended, Cameroon spanked hosts, Morocco 3-1.
The 3rd place match will be a North African affair between Algeria and Morocco at 1700 hours on Wednesday while the finals is slated for Thursday at 2000 hours local time.
Tomorrow Tuesday, Nigeria men will trade tackles with Mali in the 1st semifinal at 1300 hours before the Senegal versus Burkina Faso 2nd semifinal at 1700 hours.
The men’s 3rd place match is scheduled for 1600 hours on Thursday while the final is on Friday at 1700 hours.
- ENIOLA OLATUNJI.
