Falcons hope on Oshoala, Ebi to overcome Nzalang Nacional in Bata

After boxing themselves into a tight corner in the Rio 2016 Olympics Games qualifier, officials of the Super Falcons now put their hope on the duo of Asisat Oshoala and Onome Ebi for a rescue mission in next week’s big clash against the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea in Bata.

The Falcons were forced to a 1-1 draw in the first leg played in Abuja last weekend, forcing many followers of the game to write off Nigeria getting the ticket when both teams meet in Bata in two weeks time.

Falcons’ Interim Coach, Christopher Danjuma, is said to be anxiously waiting the arrival of Oshoala and Ebi from their respective clubs abroad to fortify his squad ahead the big battle in Bata.

The Falcons failed to make it beyond the group stage at the just concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, prompting the NFF to sack coach Edwin Okon. But the central African nation (Equatorial Guinea), nearly ruined coach Danjuma’s first assignment as interim coach with the 1-1 draw at home.

At the London 2012 Olympics Games, the Falcons failed to qualify. They began their qualification battle for Rio 2016 Olympics Games without kicking the ball against Mali, while the Nzalang Nacional edged out Congo 7-0 on aggregate to reach this stage.

Chairperson of Women Football Committee in the NFF, Mrs. Dilichukwu Onyeadima, told The Guardian on phone yesterday that the Falcons would still qualify by the time all other foreign based players like hit camp next week.

The Nzalang Nacional have proven to be a major obstacle to the Super Falcons in recent times. In their fold are three Brazilians, seven Nigerians and some Camerounians, who have nationalized in the tiny oil-rich country. Some Nigerians playing for the Nzalang Nacional include Tobilola Windapo, goalkeeper Ruth Sunday, Uzoamaka Igwe and Aju Francisca.