Cameroon’s women’s football captain, Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné, has provided insights into the team’s 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in a recent international friendly match held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The seasoned forward emphasized that the primary focus was on safeguarding players from potential injuries, especially with more critical competitions on the horizon.
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“To be honest, it was just a friendly match, and we didn’t want to risk injuries in a game like this,” Aboudi Onguéné stated.
“We have to think about more important competitions where our presence is crucial. Also, the heavy rain affected our performance. If it had been a more competitive or significant match, we wouldn’t have allowed Nigeria to beat us.”
The match, which saw Nigeria’s Super Falcons secure victory with two goals from captain Rasheedat Ajibade, was played under challenging weather conditions, including heavy rainfall that impacted the pitch’s quality.
Onguéné’s comments shed light on the strategic decisions teams often make during friendly matches, prioritizing player health and long-term goals over immediate results.
Her perspective underscores the importance of considering broader objectives, especially when preparing for major tournaments like the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
While the loss to Nigeria might raise concerns among fans, Onguéné’s rationale highlights a calculated approach aimed at ensuring the team’s optimal performance in more consequential fixtures.
As the Indomitable Lionesses gear up for future challenges, their focus remains on achieving success in competitions that hold greater significance for the team’s aspirations
