Joseph ODOEKWU
ACCRA-March 20,2024: The women football final in the ongoing 13th African Games between hosts Ghana and their familiar sister foes Nigeria have taken a different shape as Ghanaian media practitioners who are on ground for the event are disagreeing ahead of the epical clash.
In what may seem like an overwhelming victory for Ghana based on perceptions from randomly selected Journalists who spoke to this writer, Ghana have 70% chances of winning the gold medal when both sides meet in the final on Thursday night. Views where sought but one or two which are shared here may give readers an insight on why Ghana have 70% chances of winning against defending champion Nigeria.
Notwithstanding that Falconets will be coming as defending champions, that does not seem to be a threat for Ghanaian female Journalist, Rihana Adam Akologo of the Ghana News Agency, who strongly believes that Ghana are favourites to win.
“Although the match will be played in Cape Coast, but even if you take the final to Abuja in Nigeria, Ghana will still beat Nigeria” a delighted Rihana started.
“I have always supported Nigeria when ever they play any African country, but when they play against Ghana, my allegiance will always be for Ghana”. “Our girls are better than their Nigerian counterpart in this competition and that gives Ghana an edge” she added.
“Its so sad that Nigeria lost in the final to Ivory Coast in the just concluded AFCON before the Ivorian home fans when I supported them but this time I cant support them. I see Nigeria losing again before another home fans in the final of a football event, and this time they will lose to Ghana in women football event of the 13th African Games”.
“We (Ghana) know that Nigeria is the defending champions, but we will not let them win the football event for women on our soil because we know how important this gold is to us because it will definitely help us on the medal table” she concluded.
However, a contrary view from another Ghanaian Journalist, Abednego Doaman of Multimedia Asempa FM and Adom TV surprisingly tips the Falconets of Nigeria to win. For Abednego, Ghana have done very well by reaching the final but they are going to play with a country like Nigeria who have a proven track record in women football.
“I am happy and glad for Ghana that we have reached the final of the women football of the African Games, and am also hoping that we will win, but I don’t see Ghana winning because it is Nigeria they are going to play” he started.
“I know Nigeria very well and have watched their games. They are more tactical, determined and focused, and they have an edge over us despite the massive home support we will get from home fans who will come out to support us”.
“Aside being defending champions, Nigeria is a strong force to reckon with in women football as far as Africa is concerned and we cannot rule that out. They have accomplished feats which Ghana is yet to accomplish and that alone is a huge boost for them when our girls file out against them in the final” Doaman added.
“I am still wishing that Ghana wins, but going home with silver in women football final against a strong side like Nigeria is not a bad result for me. Nigeria have what it takes to beat Ghana and I see them doing that even though I’ll celebrate if Ghana miraculously wins” he concluded.
In yet another incisive and interesting view, another female Ghanaian Journalist who chose to comment on grounds of anonymity despite giving her weak allegiance to Ghana tips Nigeria to win.
“I have not watched either of Ghana or Nigeria’s football matches in this event, because I have been busy with other sports” she started.
“However, I am going to draw my conclusion based on what I have seen Nigerians do in athletics, weightlifting, wrestling and other sports where they have been outstanding”. “My conclusion therefore is that Nigeria will beat Ghana and that’s because their athletes have been exceptional qualities and fighting spirit”.
“It’s very difficult for me to reach this conclusion, but the truth is I fear Nigeria and I know that they can pull up lots of surprises irrespective of the fact that we (Ghana) will be playing on home soil and enjoy massive home support” she concluded.
The Falconets of Nigeria who are seeking a back-to-back golden accomplishment at this level will slug it out with an ambitious Black Princess who wish to make a positive statement on home soil in women football. The match will be played on Thursday March 21, 2024 by 8pm Ghanaian time at Cape Coast.