Super Falcons coach, Florence Omagbemi observed that all eyes will be on her team to win the African Women Cup of Nations, but the defending champions will not play under pressure.

Omagbemi is aiming to be first player to win the tournament as a coach. She was the first captain to lift the modern trophy for the AWCON in 1998 and also led to Falcons to victories in the 2000 and 2002 tournaments.

“Though as the defending champions, a lot is expected from us, I don’t see it as a pressure because every team coming to Cameroon would want to have a go at us but we know remaining at the top is never going to be easy,” began the 41-year-old former forward.

Nigeria’s female national team the Super Falcons

“We have communicated that to the team and we want to keep our high standard. We want to retain the trophy because that is the target in Cameroon. We want to respect the other teams because there are no smaller teams again in football but we are not under any pressure.

We just want to retain our trophy as the defending champions,” she affirmed in an interview with CAFOnline.com ahead of their opening match against Mali on Sunday, 20 November 2016 in Limbe.

The team  left Lagos en-route to Cameroon yesterday with 21 players. Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick enjoined the team to strive hard to win the tournament.

“We are totally behind you and we cherish you as much as we cherish all other teams.

“We are hopeful that you will remain the champions of Africa after the finals in Cameroon.

“I want to assure you that we respect you and will do all we can to meet your needs in spite of the financial challenges we have presently.

“We do not take you for granted. We will always treat you as the champions that you are and hopefully, our financial situation will improve very soon and we will be able to practically demonstrate how much we treasure you.”

Squad: Ibubeleye Whyte, Gladys Akpa, Faith Ikidi, Rita Chikwelu, Ngozi Ebere, Esther Sunday, Alaba Jonathan, Osarenoma Igbinovia, Ijeoma Obi, Halimatu Ayinde, Ugo Njoku, Uchechi Sunday, Gloria Iroka, Osinachi Ohale, Ngozi Okobi, Onome Ebi, Desire Oparanozie, Francisca Ordega, Asisat Oshoala, Rita Akarekor, Chioma Wogu