Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, took some time off preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt to send a message of encouragement to the Super Falcons currently competing at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
Mikel’s message came after the Nigerian women’s national team fell to a controversial 1-0 loss to the World Cup host nation, courtesy of a penalty which was ordered to be retaken by the referee after Les Bleus captain, Wendy Renard, had seen her initial effort go wide off the post.
Referee Melissa Pastrana’s attention had been called by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie who was adjudged to have gone off the goal line before Renard took her penalty kick.
Renard scored at the second attempt with 10 minutes remaining as the hosts ended the group stage with a 100% record after three games played while the 10-woman Falcons await results from the other group matches before finding out whether they would qualify for the round of 16 as one of the four best third placed teams.
While the wait is almost over, Mikel Obi expressed his pride at the performance of the Super Falcons so far in France, revealing that the Super Eagles players have been following the women’s team’s World Cup campaign.
“I just want to say well done for your efforts. We’ve been watching obviously here in camp. The Super Eagles have been keeping a close eye on the games, watching you guys. You’ve been doing amazingly well,” Mikel said from the team’s camp in Alexandria.
The Super Eagles captain stopped short of commenting on the VAR controversy that marred the game: “You lost yesterday [June 17]. Yeah, we watched the game. I don’t want to say too much before I get in trouble.”
Mikel added: “You guys have been giving your best. You played wonderfully well yesterday but it’s a shame you lost. So I want to say keep going, hopefully you guys can make it [into the round of 16].”
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He went on to give the Super Falcons more encouragement, saying: “We all are behind, the entire Super Eagles are all behind you, wishing you the best. So good luck. Come on guys! We [are] cheering for you guys! Good luck!”
And the girls get the praise and pat on the back from the one and only @mikel_john_obi @NGSuperEagles captain. Watch! #SoarSuperFalcons #Team9jaStrong #NGA #DareToShine #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/jXIDGpCXVi
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) June 18, 2019
Mikel Obi and the rest of the Super Eagles would also be banking on some good luck when they begin their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on June 22 against Burundi.
We had our first training session at the football pitch of the Arab Academy For Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria this evening.#TotalAFCON2019 #SoarSuperEagles #Team9jaStrong. pic.twitter.com/0u5TUWLPvP
— ?? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 18, 2019
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