Super Falcons defensive stalwart Oluwatosin Demehin believes breaking the deadlock early will go a long way in helping Nigeria overcome Zambia when both teams clash in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Falcons booked their place among the last eight of the tournament after finishing their group stage campaign with seven points, after victories against Tunisia and Botswana were capped off by a goalless draw with Algeria.
Demehin and her teammates are now preparing to face Zambia, who denied the Super Falcons a place on the podium back in 2022 courtesy of a narrow 1-0 defeat in the third-place play-offs, in this year’s quarterfinals.
However, the 23-year-old Galatasaray defender is unfazed ahead of Nigeria’s crucial meeting with the Copper Queens. Demehin expressed confidence in the defensive prowess of the Super Falcons, emphasizing that their ability to find the back of the net quickly will be absolutely crucial.
What did Demehin say?
“We’re playing according to what the coach demands from us, and that has been very helpful,” She said in an interview with the Super Falcons show.
“What makes us solid at the back is teamwork. I believe we are good to go. To me, the Zambian team are not a threat to us because we know what brought us here. We have a mission, and that is for us to take the trophy to Nigeria for the 10th time.
“We’re working towards that, so I believe Zambia can’t match that. We have our goals, we are good to go. The decisive factor in the quarter final will be the attack delivering early goals because I know if that can happen, it’ll help us. For the defensive performance in this competition, I think we’re playing as a team and that has been helping us.”
Demehin’s confidence in Nigeria’s defensive solidity is understandable, considering the Falcons are yet to concede in Morocco. However, after struggling to find the back of the net in their last two games, Justin Madugu will be desperate to address his side’s woes in front of goal before Friday, when both teams lock horns.