Five Reasons Why The Super Falcons Will Defeat Cameroon In AWCON Semifinals Clash on Tuesday

African champions, the Super Falcons will on Tuesday take on the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in the semifinals of the 2018 Africa Women's Nations Cup (AWCON).

Izuchukwu Okosi examines why the 'Naija girls' will brush off the threat posed by the team they beat to lift the trophy in 2016.


1. World Cup Motivation

The winner of this game and that of South Africa versus Mali will automatically qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France.

The loser still has the chance to nick a ticket by winning the third place final but this is a banana peel and its better to go for the kill.

Cameroon will definitely not be a stroll in the pack but Nigerians will not hear excuses from head coach Thomas Dennerby.

2. Cameroon's Respect For Nigeria

Although the Super Falcons began their campaign on a shaky note by losing 1-0 to South Africa, they have bounced back by thrashing Zambia 4-0 and Equatorial Guinea 6-0.

The Cameroonian side will be wary of the fact that they are playing against the best and most decorated African team and will approach the game with some respect for Nigeria so will be cautious in their play.

3. Oshoala, Oparanozie, Ordega, Others Keen To Score

The goals have started raining for the Super Falcons and any talks of regression is taking the back burner following THAT embarrassing defeat to the Bayana Bayana.

The Falcons' attack consisting of Asisat Oshoala (Africa Women's Footballer of the Year), Desire Oparanozie, Francisca Ordega, Rasheedat Ajibade etc have excited and frustrated in equal measure and will be buoyed to continue their scoring streak after an indifferent start.


4. Media Pressure On Cameroon's Lionesses

Cameroon lost to Nigeria in the final of the 2016 AWCON in front of their home fans.

The stadium was packed and  the Cameroonian side played some beautiful football. That is what the media back in Cameroon will remind their team. Avenge that defeat!

They might look at the defeat to South Africa and think they can pluck a victory which could affect some of the players' mentality, positively or negatively.

Hopefully the sound bites from their home nation put tremendous pressure on the Lionesses - and not same (in negative way) for Nigeria.


5. Nigerian Fans' Support In Accra

The Nigerian community in Accra, Ghana is big - many Nigerians do business and work in Ghana's political capital and that could be a big plus for the Super Falcons.

Expect many of the fans in the stands to be in their green/ white jerseys and attires.

Support of the fans can be instrumental in how a team performs and the Nigerians in the stands are expected to get behind their team irrespective of how the game go.

Izuchukwu Okosi