Former Super Falcons coach, Ismaila Mabo, says the women’s national team need to be psychologically prepared ahead of Friday’s (today) 2022 African Women’s Cup of Nations final qualifying clash against the Lady Elephants of Ivory Coast at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The Falcons edged Ghana’s Black Queens 2-1 on aggregate to reach the final round of the qualification series, while high-scoring Ivory Coast inflicted a 20-0 defeat to advance.
Speaking with The PUNCH, Mabo, who led the squad to their best-ever outing at the Women’s World Cup – a quarter-final finish in 1999 – said the Falcons needed a psychologist heading into the game.
“We are beginning to lose our tag as the favourites in Africa and our last game against Ghana showed that, we struggled against them,” Mabo told The PUNCH.
“The Black Queens looked so athletic and faster, and this got our ladies confused before they conceded a penalty. I’m sure everyone who saw that game will agree with me.
“I am sure the Nigeria Football Federation must have prepared the team very well ahead of the game. Psychologically, the Lady Elephants, who won by 20-0, have a very high morale heading into this game and I think our ladies need a psychologist to prepare their minds. I’m not saying the Falcons are afraid, but going into this game and considering both sides recent form, I think our ladies need a psychologist.”
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