Super Falcons medical team in race against time to get Ordega fit for tonight's game

SUPER Falcons team handlers are battling over the fitness of veteran striker Francisca Ordega in a desperate bid to get her for today's final of the Women's African Cup of nations (Wafcon) against hosts Morocco in Rabat.

Ordega, 31, the striker who plays for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, was omitted from the matchday squad for the Super Falcons' semi-final victory over South Africa on Tuesday. She was an unused substitute in Nigeria's matches against Tunisia, Botswana and Zambia but featured for the entire duration of the final group stage clash against Algeria and then picked up a knock after that match in training.

Head coach Justin Madugu has confirmed that Ordega sat out training on Thursday after sustaining a knock, with the medical team now racing against time to get her ready for the final. It appears that the potential absence of the seasoned attacker is a significant concern for the Falcons who are chasing a record-breaking 10th Wafcon title.

Mr Madugu said: "Francisca Ordega was out of training because she had a knock. The medical team is also working on her to see how fast she can recover. She might not be able to make it, it's a sad development for us.

"We just pray she makes it. If she doesn't, the other members of the team will carry on. Even her support will also go a long way."

Nigeria's Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women's national team, will look to draw on its depth and experience as they aim to reclaim the continental crown in front of a partisan Moroccan crowd. Nigeria beat South Africa 2-1 in the semi finals, while Morocco edged past Ghana on penalties.