With the FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup underway in Canada, the Falconets have promised to leave no stone unturned in their attempt to secure a remarkable outing for Nigeria at the Mundial.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s representatives at the tournament and having made six appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Falconets are determined to put on a brillant performance this time round.
The mood in the team’s camp is that of a eagerness, as all the players are in fine health and there are no injury concerns. The players are all anxious to know who will make the team list for the Falconets’ first match.
Falconts’ coach Peter Dedevbo said he remains confident of the calibre of players at his disposal and that he has assembled the best legs that can take on any team in Canada.
“I have assembled some of the best players in the country, they are smart and experienced. Bringing players from the Under -17 team that went to Costa Rica and others from the Super Falcons. This has brought competition to the team,” Dedevbo revealed.
He confirmed that the team had played a couple of friendly matches as build up to the tournament. “I’m aware of the previous records of the team and I’m confident this time around, my target is to bring home the trophy,” Dedevbo said.
Speaking on the Falconets’ first match against Mexico, the former Flamingoes coach said the players were physically and mentally ready for the match. “I’m confident with the level of training we have had, mark my words the team will make Nigeria proud”.
Ahead of the Mexico encounter, team captain, Patience Okaeme, promised that the team would do its best to get victory which she said would boost the psyche of the players.
“We owe it to ourselves to make Nigeria proud by winning not only our first match but all our matches,” Okaeme said.
Her team mates Sarah Nnodim and Courtney Dike said the players would play as a team to ensure victory.
“We are happy the team is not built around particular players, that unity will give us the needed victory. We urge Nigerians to pray for the good outing of the team,” Dike said.
The Nigeria/Mexico match comes up tonight at 8pm in Canada (12 midnight Nigerian time). The match will be played at Moncton Stadium.
