The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Falconets

  • Falconets get cash rewards

    Falconets get cash rewards

    Nigeria players who were beaten in the final of this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup have been rewarded by the country’s President with a cash gift of a million Naira each (about $6,000).

    Coach Peter Dedevbo received 750,000 Naira. His assistants got N500,000 and the backroom staff.

    The Falconets lost 1-0 to Germany to make it the second time they will lose in the final of the same competition in four years.

    Asisat Oshoala emerged as the MVP and top scorer at the 2014 World Cup.

    She was also conferred with a national honour.

    President Jonathan also rewarded the country’s contingent to the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

     

  • Jonathan congratulates Falconets

    Jonathan congratulates Falconets

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday congratulated the Falconets after the team finished second at the just concluded FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada.

    The Nigerian girls lost 0-1 to Germany in the final played in the early hours of Monday in Canada.

    Jonathan, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said despite the team’s loss in extra time to the Germans in Sunday’s keenly contested final, all Nigerians remain proud of the skillful, highly spirited and patriotic performance of the girls throughout the tournament.

    He applauded the Falconets who outplayed the Germans for long periods in the final, and also had greater ball possession and a higher number of goal attempts, for equaling Nigeria’s best-ever finish in the tournament.

    He specially commended Asisat Oshoala, for emerging the top scorer and Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

    The statement reads: “President Jonathan who stayed awake till 0300 hours (local time in Germany) to watch the match with his aides as he promised the girls during his chat with the team on Saturday, believes that the girls had shown the world that with their innate skills, strength, resilience and determination, they can remain a great force in women’s football globally for many years to come.”

    He assured the girls and their trainers that they will continue to receive all the support and encouragement they require from the Federal Government to fully actualize their world-beating potentials.

    He looks forward to honouring the players and their handlers with a reception at the Presidential Villa on their return from Canada.

    In another statement from the Office of the First Lady, signed by her Media Assistant, Ayo Adewuyi, the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, praised the gallant fight put up by the Super Falconets in the final match against Germany.

     

  • FIFA U20 Cup: Falconets lose 1-0 to Germany

    FIFA U20 Cup: Falconets lose 1-0 to Germany

    Nigeria’s U20 female team, the Falconets lost 1-0 to Germany in the U20 Women’s World Cup early Monday morning in Montreal.
    Germany’s goal was scored by Lena Petermann in the eight minute of extra time.

  • Jonathan to Falconets: Win and get heroines’ welcome

    Jonathan to Falconets: Win and get heroines’ welcome

    President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Saturday assured members of the national under-20 women’s football team, the Falconets of heroine’s welcome if they win Sunday’s final match against Germany in the 2014 FIFA under-20 women’s World Cup in Canada.
    President Jonathan who is currently on a private visit to Germany according to a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, called the Falconets at their base in Montreal at about 1515 Hours Nigerian Time and spoke with the captain of the team, Patience Okaeme.
    He also spoke with top scorer, Asisat Oshoala, Assistant Captain, Deborah Okoye, Courtney Dike, Uchechi Sunday, the delegation leader ,Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu, Head Coach Peter Dedevbo and other members of his team.
    The President who commended the players for getting to the finals of the tournament once again, urged them to do their best to exceed their 2010 second place finish by overcoming the German team on Sunday and bringing greater glory, pride and joy to soccer-loving Nigerians.
    “You have done very well by getting to the final. I urge you to crown your efforts with ultimate victory tomorrow by playing with the greatest possible artistry, discipline, determination and patriotic zeal.
    “I look forward to receiving you at the Presidential Villa with the winners’ trophy and you can be assured of the immense gratitude of the Federal Government and the very appreciative people of Nigeria,” President Jonathan told the girls and their handlers.
    The President assured the Falconets that although, because of time difference, it will be very late night in Germany by the time the final begins in Montreal, he will stay up to watch the game with his aides and join millions of other Nigerians at home and across the world in cheering them to victory.

     

     

  • World Cup final: Falconets arrive Montreal

    World Cup final: Falconets arrive Montreal

    Nigeria U-20 Women Team, the Falconets are in Montreal ahead of their final match against Germany.

    The Falconets qualified for the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after beating Democratic Republic of Korea 6-2 in their quarter final match played on wednesday in Moncton.

    The team left Moncton on Thursday for Montreal where the finals will take place.

    The Nigerian delegation are currently staying at Sheraton Hotel Montreal.

    All players are in good condition with no reported injury.

    They are having two training sessions as part of preparations for the finals.

    Nigeria defeated Korea Republic 2-1, England 2-1 and drew 1-1 with Mexico.

    The Falconets also thrashed New Zealand 4-1 in the quarter finals to proceed to the semi finals where it edged out Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea 6-2 to advance to the finals.

    Nigeria and Germany met four years ago in Germany and they lost 2-0 to the Germans.

    The final comes up on Sunday by  12 midnight in Nigeria.

     

  • Jonathan hails Falconets

    Jonathan hails Falconets

    • Urges team to go for trophy

    President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Nigeria’s Under-20 female football team, the Falconets for qualifying for the final of the on-going FIFA championship in Canada.

    In a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President applauded the Falconets’ scintillating display which earned them a 6-2 victory in Wednesday’s semi-final match against North Korea.

    The President also commended the performance of the team in their earlier matches before the semi-final.

    The statement reads: “As the Falconets prepare for the final match of the tournament against Germany on Sunday, President Jonathan urges them to put in their very best effort to win the under-20 Women’s World Cup for Nigeria and Africa for the first time in the history of the competition.”

    He assured them and their handlers of the full support of the Federal Government and the prayers of all Nigerians for their triumph on Sunday.

  • Bright Dike to cheer sister in final

    Bright Dike to cheer sister in final

    Nigeria striker Bright Dike plans to cheer his sister, Courtney and the Falconets when they play the final on Sunday

    Nigeria crushed North Korea 6-2 to set up a repeat of the 2010 final against Germany, who edged past France 2-1.

    “Nigeria and @CourtneyDike just too much for Korea! I definitely have to come watch her play live in the U-20 World Cup Final,” a proud big brother Bright Dike tweeted.

    Courtney Dike has scored two quick goals at the tournament for Nigeria including Wednesday’s opening goal against Korea DPR after just two minutes.

    Th 19-year-old striker, who is under a sports scholarship in the United States of America, has surpassed all expectations after she was initially picked as a make-weight player for Canada 2014.

    She now holds the record for the fastest goal ever scored at this World Cup, when she fired home after 18 seconds against Korea Republic in the group stage of the competition.

    Bright Dike himself was ruled out of the recent World Cup in Brazil due to a long-term Achilles tendon injury.

  • Falconets good enough to win U-20 World Cup—Glo

    Falconets good enough to win U-20 World Cup—Glo

    Major sponsor of Nigerian national teams, Globacom, has called on the Super Falconets of Nigeria to make Nigeria proud by winning the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada on Sunday when the team lock horns with Germany.

    The Super Falconets walloped the Korea DPR U-20 Women team by 6-2 in the semi-finals on Thursday to advance to the finals of the competition for the second time, having lost to the Germans in the finals of 2010 U-20 Women World Cup.

    Globacom in a press statement in Lagos commended the Super Falconets for their hard work, total concentration and never-say-die spirit, which earned them the victory, and qualification for the Finals.

    “We believed from the beginning that the Falconets had the wherewithal to go all the way and we are not surprised that they are now just one match to claim the ultimate glory,” Glo stated.

    “You played a well co-ordinated match and out classed the Koreans, we look forward to an outstanding final against the Germans when you will do Nigeria and Africa proud by winning the cup,” the statement further added.

    The Super falconets have been on the ascendancy from the commencement of the tournament where they scored the fastest and second fastest goals in the history of the competition while the encounter against Korea has been rated as the highest scoring semifinal match in the history of FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

    With six goals, four from Asisat Oshoala who was the star of the match and two others from Courtney Dike and Uchechi Sunday, the Super Falconets qualified for the finals with class and panache, playing purposeful and cohesive football.

    Globacom commended the technical crew of the team for bringing the best out of the team and urged them not to rest on their oars, adding that the victory had deepened the Super Falconets’ rating as African Champions.

    The Company also commended Nigerians for their support for the Falconets and appealed to the fans to sustain the support till the ultimate victory is attained on Sunday.

     

  • Falode Charges Falconets: Give Nigeria a befitting centenary gift

    Falode Charges Falconets: Give Nigeria a befitting centenary gift

    The coordinator of Nigerian women teams, Aisha Falode has poured encomiums on the Falconets for their five-star performance against North Korea at the ongoing FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada.

    The Falconets demolished the Asian giants 6-2 in Wednesday’s semifinal clash at the Moncton Stadium in Moncton, Canada to pave the way for a repeat of 2010 edition final showdown against European heavyweights, Germany on Sunday at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal.

    Championship topscorer, Asisat Oshoala netted four goals in the one-sided encounter while forward, Courtney Dike and super-substitute and Rivers Angels star, Uchechi Sunday scored a goal to complete the goal feast against the Koreans.

    The CAF media committee member charged the nation’s campaigners to go all out for a resounding victory aimed at avenging the painful 2010 edition of the championship final defeat in the hands of the Germans.

    “I must commend the Falconets for their flawless performance in the championship more so the thumbing of North Korea in the semifinal clash in Moncton on Wednesday.

    “I commend the side once again for reaching their second final at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup to confront 2010 conquerors, Germany.

    “I charge them not to miss the golden opportunity to avenge the Germans’ defeat and in like manner write their names in gold as the first Nigerian side to win the coveted world title at Under-20 cadre.

    “Falconets have the potentials and qualities to overpower the Germans, the world title will be the icing on the cake of Nigeria’s Centenary celebration as well as a comeback gift to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari who has been supportive to the national women teams,” said Falode.

    Falode said the superlative performance of the Falconets at the biennial football showpiece in Canada is strong indication that if the women teams were well funded and supported they will challenge for the highest honour at the world stage.

    “Falconets have already lit the torch to what the women’s teams can achieve at the world stage once they receive the kind of attention and support given to the men’s counterparts.

    “I pray that by the time the Falconets comeback with the world title Nigerians will wholeheartedly embrace women football and accord them due respect,” Falode enthused.

    The Germany, Nigeria epic final showdown will hold on Sunday at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal to be preceded by the losers’ clash between European heavyweights, France and North Korea at same ground.

  • Elegbeleye tips Falconets for trophy

    Elegbeleye tips Falconets for trophy

    Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Gbenga Otolorin Elegbeleye has strongly tipped the Falconets to beat 2004 and 2010 FIFA U- 20 Women’s World Cup winner Germany in the final of the 2014 edition of the competition tagged Canada 2014 in Montreal on Sunday. The NSC top official who has been away in Europe since Monday described the performance of the Nigerian ladies as highly impressive and praised their doggedness, patriotism and dedication and the will power to make Nigeria proud in a global competition despite the crisis bedeviling football in the country. He charged the team to re-double their efforts to beat two-time world Champion Germany comprehensively to send signals to the entire world that Nigeria is a super power in women’s football as being proved over the time by the heartwarming performances of the Nigerian women’s team in global football competition. “Firstly I am highly impressed with the performance of our ladies in the ongoing FIFA U- 20 Women’s World Cup in Canada and I have a strong feeling and very confident that the Falconets will emerge winners of this year’s edition of the tournament. “Quote me Falconets will beat Germany this time around. It won’t be like in 2010 FIFA U- 20 Women’s World Cup hosted by Germany where Nigeria lost 2-0 in the final. I foresee a reverse where Nigeria will score same 2-0 to lift the 2014 edition of World Cup,” he assured. Elegbeleye also noted that the encouragement given by President Goodluck Jonathan through his prompt reward to athletes that excelled in competitions has been the tonic for the positive results Nigeria has been reaping recently. He also expressed confidence that President Jonathan would reward the Falconets handsomely if they eventually lift the trophy. “Let’s leave the issue of rewards for now and the girls should just go all out to beat Germany on Sunday and see what our loving President (Goodluck Jonathan) will do as regards compensation and rewards to football excellence. I just want the girl to come back to Nigeria with the trophy,” he said.