Football won’t stop my friendship with South Africa coach, says Omagbemi

We won’t fall this time, says Banyana Banyana coach
Super Falcons’ Coach, Florence Omagbemi, has said that no matter what happens on the field of play this afternoon when Nigeria takes on South Africa in one of the semifinals of the 10th Africa Women’s Nations Cup in Cameroun, her relationship with the Banyana Banyana coach would remain the same.

Both teams will take to the field at the hilltop Omisport Stadium this afternoon seeking a final ticket in the championship, and Omagbemi said in a pre-match conference yesterday that their relationship had come a long way, adding that it will not end in Cameroun.

“The South African coach was the captain of the Banyana Banyana and I was captain of the Super Falcons in our playing days. We have come a long way. We defeated them during our playing days and that is what we are going to do again tomorrow (today). We are still the best of friends and it will remain so, no matter what happens on the field. I am sure she will come to congratulate me at the end of the match because we are here to defend the title.”

She stated that all the players in camp were fully ready for today’s game, adding that the approach would be different from games played in the group stage. She also stated that there was no form of pressure in their camp, just as she hinted that there was no injury worries for the Falcons.

Omagbemi revealed that apart from targeting the eighth Nations Cup trophy in Cameroun, the main focus of the Super Falcons is to improve on their performance at the world level. “We are not only looking at the African title, but we are challenged to get at same level with teams in other continents if we have opportunity of flying Africa flag again.”

On her part, the South African coach, Desiree Ellis, said her team is fully ready to shoot down the Falcons. “I agree the Nigerian team had beaten us in the past, but it won’t be the same this time.

“The pressure is always there, but my players don’t need any motivation for this game against Nigeria because they know what is at stake. It will not be easy though, but we will beat the Falcons.”

Banyana Banyana striker, USA-based Jermaine Seoposenwe, who was a major inspiration to the team against Egypt, said that staying in same hotel with the Super Falcons at Parliamentaria Flat in Buea, would not affect them in today’s match.