The Cameroon senior women’s national football team, the Indomitable Lionesses, are ready to roar back in Abuja today as they face their arch-rivals, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, in the return leg of the third round of African qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games. The decisive match kicks off at 4pm local time at the National Stadium, with both teams locked in a fierce battle for a spot in the final round.
The first leg in Douala ended in a goalless draw, despite the Super Falcons having two second-half goals controversially disallowed. The Lionesses, however, held their ground and remained defensively resolute.
Coach Jean Baptiste Bisseck is confident his team can secure victory in Abuja. “The qualification ticket is still within reach,” he declared after the first leg. “We will do everything we can to get it done. We had chances in Douala, and we need to rely on ourselves in Abuja. Every detail will count.”
The Lionesses have studied their opponents meticulously, learning valuable lessons from the first encounter. “We know their strengths and weaknesses,” Bisseck said. “It will be a battle, and we are prepared.”
The potential for a penalty shootout doesn’t faze the Cameroonian coach. While acknowledging Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie’s talent, Bisseck emphasized that his team has the necessary skills and experience to overcome any challenge.
Cameroon is hungry for a second appearance in the women’s football tournament at the Olympic Games. They made their debut in 2012 but missed out in 2016 and 2020. This year, they are determined to roar back onto the biggest stage.
The winner of today’s match will face either South Africa or Tanzania in the final round of the qualifiers. The Bayana Bayana currently hold a commanding 3-0 lead over Tanzania, setting up a potentially explosive encounter for the final Olympic berth.
All eyes will be on the National Stadium in Abuja as the Indomitable Lionesses unleash their roar. Will they overcome their fierce rivals and secure their Olympic dream? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this match promises to be a thrilling display of African football at its finest.
