Football fans in the FCT have tipped the Super Falcons to perform well at the 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Falcons left Nigeria on July 2 to Australia for a 15-day camping ahead of the tournament scheduled for July 20 to Aug. 20.
The fans who spoke with NAN on Thursday, said that they were optimistic that the team will come out victorious in their campaign.
Former Super Falcons Assistant Coach, Mansur Abdullahi, said the they have a lot of work to do to win their matches.
“I am optimistic that they will do well in spite of many challenges they are facing.
“Although in the friendly games played so far, we have seen that they are shy of scoring goals and it means that they have to work on their goals scoring abilities,” he said.
Abdullahi who is not too comfortable with defence, advised the technical team to work on that area to overcome some lapses observed so far.
“One thing to note is that any team that qualifies for the World Cup is a potential winner.
“We should not relax on our preparations because the teams in our group might be tough for the Super Falcons, but there is hope for them to come out victorious,” he said.
Godwin Bamigboye, Executive Chairman, Grassroots Sports and Marketing Limited, said the nation’s expectation of the Falcons is high.
He said that he believe in the ability of the young ladies to perform well at the world cup in spite of all the challenges.
Bamigboye advised the coach to be focused to guide the players in their area of weaknesses.
“I think that’s the best thing to do, he should not be distracted in any way, he should be focused on his girls to encourage them,”he said.
He advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF ) to do more to encourage the players to give their best.
“ lt’s a good thing that FIFA is able to make it possible that every player will go home with 30,000 dollars that, is a great incentive and an improvement in womenfootball.
“If there are any other additional benefits the girls have to get, if there is any way we as a nation can support them, why not, we should,” he said.
Chris Onokpegu, a CAF C coach said the team can go beyond the first round because they are good, and they are desperate to make names for themselves.
“Many of them might quit the National team after this World Cup. So they want to prove one point to write their names in the good book of Football in Nigeria.
“They want to give their best. So determination is what’s going to go for them in this world cup not because of the coach ability,” he said.
Onokpegu who expressed concern over the selection of players, said if they scale through to the second round he will give kudos to the players and not the coach.
“The coach doesn’t have what it takes, if only we have a good coach, by now I bet you we can go beyond the quarter final,” he said.
Chindinma Miller, a fan of the Super Falcons urged them to be resolute, resilient against their opponents at the tournament.
“They should know that they are representing Nigeria and not NFF nor coaches Nigeria, ” she said.
Timi Omonijo, said unity of purpose was key to their success at the world cup, adding that dedication and passion would be key.
Philomina Andrew, a business woman, implored the players exhibit the `I can do` spirit of Nigerians to bring back glory to the country at the end of the competition.
“ The success of our team is not dependent on any single individual but on the collective strength and involvement of all.
“Our success lies in our ability to work together towards a common purpose. Our support the Falcons must remain resolute,” she said.
NAN reports that Nigeria is grouped alongside, host Australia, Republic of Ireland and Canada in group B.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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