AWCON 2016: Super Falcons get hostile reception in Yaounde

Nigeria's women team were welcomed to a hostile reception in Yaounde on Wednesday afternoon on arrival for the 2016 Africa Women's Cup of Nations final clash against Cameroon.


In the wake of Tuesday's narrow 1-0 semi-final against South Africa, the Super Falcons will confront the hosts for a rematch of 2014 edition in Namibia.

They arrived in batches to a noisy and hostile welcome in Cameroon's capital. A team official expressed disappointment and the flight frustration suffered moving to Yaounde after a tiring game against South Africa on Tuesday.

"Honestly, it was a terrible experience and we are disappointed. The environment was hostile and the LOC map out plans to frustrated us," an official told the media.

"They communicated our schedule to us which stated departure for 9am from Douala airport, we left Buea at 5.30am and the players couldn't sleep after a stressful match-day.

"They abandoned us at the airport and we waited for about six hours before the first batch could travel by air. The most shocking moment was how hostile the Cameroonians are at the airport.

"The second batch later travelled by road after a technical issue with the aircraft, we boarded and the flight started smoking. We have to run for our lives and travelled by road to Yaounde, we are disappointed.

"Nigerians shouldn't panic, we are aware of the antics and the plans to frustrate the group. However, this is the moment we need our High Commission and the Federation to give us adequate

support. It will be a collective effort to conquer the hosts and we are determined to win."

A Super Falcons player who spoke on anonymity, lamented the hostile reception by the hosts' city dwellers, insisting they are more determined than ever to retain the title.

"It is really not too nice a reception from the Cameroonians in Yaounde. Though we are not bothered by their hostilities as we know all they are to win the title," a player said.

"We are ready and looking forward to the final. We have never lost a final and this time will not be an exception."

The players are currently lodged at the Djeuja Palace Hotel and expected to resume training on Thursday by 5pm local time at the Omnisport Stadium, Yaoundé.