Super Falcons star Princess Yina reveals inspiring encounter with France skipper
Super Falcons star Princess Adoo Yina has shared a touching story about meeting Sakina Karchaoui, captain of France’s women’s national team, during the friendly match between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and France on November 30, 2024, in Angers.
The 19-year-old Yina made her senior debut for the Super Falcons in this match, which ended in a narrow 2-1 loss for Nigeria. She came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute but had to leave the pitch in added time due to an injury.
Despite her disappointment, Yina experienced a moment that lifted her spirits. While sitting on the sidelines, she was approached by Karchaoui, who surprised her by asking for a photo together.
In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Yina described the moment:
“I wasn’t feeling good after leaving the pitch because of the injury, but then the French captain came to me and asked for a picture. I was like, WOW! A whole captain!”
The unexpected encounter with Karchaoui left a deep impression on Yina, reminding her of her worth and the respect she had earned during her debut match.
The game saw France score early through Eugénie Le Sommer and Amel Majri. Nigeria made history with their first-ever goal against France, scored by Ifeoma Onumonu just before halftime.
Despite missing key players like Rasheedat Ajibade and Oluwatosin Demehin, the Super Falcons showed determination and resilience throughout the game, providing hope for future competitions like the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
