The Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, has charged Nigeria’s U20 female national team, Falconets, to defend the crown they won four years ago against Ghana.

A statement on Wednesday said Mr Enoh gave the charge when he visited Team Nigeria at the ongoing African Games in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday.

Mr Enoh urged the Falconets to defeat the Black Princesses of Ghana to qualify them for the FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup in Colombia.

“It matters for me to visit you all. It matters to our President and all Nigerians that you’ve come this far. The goal is to win the gold medal on Thursday.

“It is an important gold for you and for the country,“ the minister said.

Mr Enoh reminded the Falconets of their responsibility to uphold their legacy.

“Four years ago, we won gold in women’s football in Morocco, so you all have the responsibility to defend that title and return to Nigeria with the gold medal,” he said.

Coach Christopher Danjuma lauded the minister for his support, assuring that the team would spare no effort in making Nigerians proud.

“We appreciate the minister for supporting the team, and we promise to go the extra mile to achieve success,” Mr Danjuma said.

The team’s captain, Oluchi Ohaegbulam, said the squad would pursue the gold medal.

“It is a privilege for us to represent the country, and we promise to work hard and give one last push towards the gold,” the captain said. 

(NAN)