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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

We gave everything – Nnadozie

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie expressed disappointment after Nigeria's 1-0 loss to Cameroon in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
  • The defeat ended Nigeria's bid for an 11th WAFCON title and marked their first-ever quarter-final exit.
  • Nnadozie stated the team gave their all but missed chances, vowing to regroup for their upcoming match against South Africa for a Women's World Cup playoff spot.

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie admitted the Nigerian team "gave everything" but fell short in their Women's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash against Cameroon, resulting in a shocking 1-0 defeat. The loss extinguished Nigeria's hopes of securing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title and marked a historic moment as their first-ever quarter-final elimination from the competition.

It was a very difficult game. We played our hearts out, we gave everything out, but it wasn’t enough to get the victory today. We missed a lot of chances.

— Chiamaka NnadozieReflecting on the team's performance and the loss to Cameroon.

Cameroon secured their victory with a stunning free-kick goal from Maéva Nyadjou in the 19th minute. Despite persistent efforts from the Nigerian side, particularly in the second half, Cameroon's goalkeeper Michaely Bihina made crucial saves to preserve their lead. Nigeria's chances of equalizing dwindled, with Esther Okoronkwo missing a late opportunity in stoppage time.

Everyone is not happy with the performance. We’ve spoken to ourselves and I believe that we will go back to the drawing board. We’re trying to get it right.

— Chiamaka NnadozieDiscussing the team's reaction to the defeat and their plan to improve.

"It was a very difficult game. We played our hearts out, we gave everything out, but it wasn’t enough to get the victory today. We missed a lot of chances," Nnadozie stated post-match. She acknowledged the team's collective unhappiness with their performance but expressed confidence in their ability to bounce back.

The coach has been cheering us up, telling us well done. We really appreciate that from him.

— Chiamaka NnadozieAcknowledging the coach's support after the loss.

"Everyone is not happy with the performance. We’ve spoken to ourselves and I believe that we will go back to the drawing board. We’re trying to get it right," she added. Nnadozie also conveyed appreciation for the coach's supportive words and stressed the unpredictable nature of football. The team now shifts its focus to a crucial match against South Africa on Thursday, where a win will secure a place in the 2027 Women's World Cup inter-confederation playoffs.

This is football, it happens. So, Thursday, let’s keep hope and we’ll go there and make the most of it.

— Chiamaka NnadozieLooking ahead to the next match and maintaining optimism.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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