By Kwadwo Korankye Sadat, May 11, 2021
Ghana women’s national team coach Mercy Tagoe is upbeat ahead of the epic clash against Nigeria for the 2022 African women cup of Nations qualifier.
The Black Queens of Ghana will face rivals and defending champions the Super Falcons of Nigeria in the first round of the qualifying series for the 2022 tournament in Morocco.
The two African football giants face off following the draw at the CAF Headquarters in Egypt, on Monday.
The Super Falcons hold the record as the most successful side by far, with their dominance in lifting AWCON titles 11 times with the recent one four years ago in Ghana.
Speaking after the draw, the former Ghana international acknowledged the experience and quality the Super falcons possess but urged her team to seize the moment against the undisputed queens of African football.
The coach insists Ghana’s immediate focus has to be good preparation as they aim one against their rivals.
“We all know when we talk about women football in Africa Nigeria is at the top but sometimes situations can change because its football. He told Ghanasportspage.com
“We have (Ghana) relegated ourselves to the background far too long. We hosted and couldn’t succeed. But we need to move from that face with everything we have got.
“I smiled when I saw Ghana has been paired against Nigeria. Because Ghana is a big country interms of football and Nigeria is a big country in football.
“Whatever it is we will face Nigeria. The draw is done. We need to prepare and face them.
“Football is not about names. Zambia have qualified for Olympics. No one gave them that chance.
“If you watched the COSAFA two months ago, you will be surprise the kind of football Botswana displayed in the tournament. If football is about names then Ghana should be at each world cup but is not like that.
“There are other countries like Cote D’Ivoire, Zambia, Cameroon, and South Africa who are also there but I believe Ghana will cross this hurdle.”
Mercy Tagoe was reappointed as the coach of the senior women’s national team weeks ago after serving same capacity since November 2019.
The 43-year old led Ghana twice to WAFU Zone B glories (Gold in 2018 and Bronze medal in 2019).
