SUPER FALCONS ‘LL WIN AWC- Oshoala

After her goals and efforts failed to win the FIFA Under-20 world cup for Nigeria, in Canada, Asisat Oshoala has her eyes set on winning the African Women Championship (AWC) in Namibia next month.

The gangling striker who emerged the top scorer and most valuable player at U-20 World Cup in Canada said she and her colleagues, some of them where in the team that lost in the final to Germany in Canada, have resolved to regain the title they lost two years ago in Equatorial Guinea.

Oshoala who is one of the players listed to receive national honours on Monday in Abuja said she as a person will be looking forward to her first senior cup title by giving the AWC her best shot.

The Ikorodu, Lagos state born forward told the Super Falcons Media Officer Gracious Akujobi that they have trained to a point of pain that anything short of the cup will be regarded as poor performance in Namibia.

Asisat Oshoala Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Golden Boot winner at FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada

Oshoala who is excited at having another hand shake with President Goodluck Jonathan at the award at the International Conference Center on Monday, stated that the Super Falcons will not underrate any team in their group.

“We know the task ahead of us in Namibia is not going to be easy but we are determined to win the cup and go back to the world cup in Canada as African champions” she stated

Meanwhile, the fight to make the final 21 member cut for the AWC is hotting up thereby giving the coaches selection problems even before the arrival of the invited foreign professionals.

Coach Edwin Okon said that the players are in the best form of their lives and although he admits it is not easy dropping any of them but that he would submit his final list on Monday,29 September.

AWC 2014:FALCONS COACH SAYS DRAW GOOD BUT NOT EASY

Nigeria’s senior women team Coach, Edwin Okon has admitted that the African Women Championship (AWC) draws appears good for Super Falcons to qualify but insists that it won’t be easy as it looks.

According to the draws which took place in Windhoek on Saturday Nigeria was drawn in group A with host Namibia,Zambia and Cote d’ Ivoire while group B has South Africa, Cameroon,Ghana and Algeria.

Coach Okon told Team Media Officer,Gracious Akujobi that the group on paper looks easy for Super Falcons but was quick to warn that the Ivorians who eliminated 2012 champions Equatorial Guinea and host Namibia should not be treated with levity.

“All the eight teams that qualified for the competition are good and determined to win the AWC title and that is why we won’t underrate any team. There are no push overs in women football any longer in Africa.

“With Ivory Coast sending defending champions Equatorial Guinea out and a Namibian side that will be well motivated by home fans in our group, it will be foolhardy for Super Falcons to be complacent”.

Super Falcons

He continued “they might look at Group B and say that it is the group of death but the reality is that group A that has the host and a team that beat the cup holders cannot be written off. It is not going to be easy but we won’t disappoint Nigerians”

He assured that Super Falcons would do every thing possible to qualify from the group and try to win back the trophy they lost in 2012 to Equatorial Guinea.

Coach Okon also revealed that he requested for three international friendly matches for Falcons in his program submitted to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to prepare for the AWC adding that he is hoping to open camp in August.

The AWC finals will hold from October 11 – 25 in Namibia.The winner,runner-up and third place winner qualifies automatically to represent Africa at the FIFA women world cup in Canada in 2015.

SUPER FALCONS CRUSH RWANDA TO BOOK AWC TICKET

Super Falcons eased their way to the final of the African Women Championship (AWC) with a resounding 8-0 crushing of Rwanda in Kaduna to qualify on a 12-1 aggregate.

With a 4-1 advantage from the first leg, Falcons made a feast of the She-Amavubi with Oparanozie Desire scoring a hat trick. It was 5-0 at interval with Blessing Edoho, Asisat Oshoala and Esther Sunday registering their names on the score sheet.

Wing back Blessing Edoho opened the flood gate of goals as early as the 11th minute with Asisat Oshoala making it two in the 18th minute before Oparanozie took over the show with two goals in the 20th and 30th minutes.

Esther Sunday who had tormented the visitors all day from the left flank made it five in the 40th minute with a beautiful goal off a through pass from skipper Evelyn Nwabuoku.

The second half was just seven minutes old when Oparanozie bagged her hat trick scoring goal number six. Oshoala would score the best goal of the day when she dribbled almost the whole defence to make it seven.

Nku cecilia completed the routing by scoring goal number eight. The visitors attempt to score a consolation goal was checked by the Falcons defence ably marshalled by Josephine Chukwunonye.

With this victory the eight times African champions have qualified for the AWC billed for Namibia in October.

A delighted coach Edwin Okon said “I am happy we won with this wide margin but we are going back to prepare for the serious task ahead

“The programme for the AWC proper will soon be reeled out and by the grace of God the trophy is what we are gunning for in Namibia” he stated.

Hatrick heroine Desire Oparanozie who earlier stated before the match that she will score three goals said it was “prophecy fulfilled” adding that Nigerians should expect more goals at the AWC.

Super Falcons vs Rwanda in Kaduna

Suswam, Galadima shower plaudits on Maigari

Suswam, Galadima shower plaudits on Maigari…North Central zone endorses him for second term…

The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rt. Hon Gabriel Suswam, CON at the weekend praised the impressive strides of the present NFF administration, and said the Aminu Maigari team should be allowed to continue in office for reasons of continuity and stability in the management of the Nigeria game.

Speaking through his deputy, Chief Steven Lawani, OFR during a courtesy call in his office by a large delegation of NFF Executive Committee, Management and Staff, members of the NFF Congress and other stakeholders, Suswam, through Lawani, enumerated the on-field accomplishments of the present NFF team and gave them kudos for off-field achievements as well.

“Your team has won the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the Africa Cup of Nations, African Youth Championship, African Women Championship and other trophies, and easily qualified Nigeria for the FIFA World Cup finals.

“There are several off-field achievements that time may not permit us to mention here, but for me, the stability you have brought to Nigeria football administration and your wonderful leadership style easily recommend you for continuity in office.

“The people of Benue State are indeed happy with you and your team and also happy with the achievements of the League Management Company, which you midwifed and which has done so much to bring sanity and progress to the domestic League,” Lawani stated.

Speaking earlier, the NFF President praised the Suswam administration for impressive infrastructural development in Benue State and for the support and encouragement that the State government has always given to Nigeria Professional Football League side, Lobi Stars FC. He called for greater funding for the Benue State Football Association.

Meanwhile, the North Central zone of the country has endorsed NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari for a second term of office, according to a communiqué released at the end of the zone’s summit in Makurdi at the weekend.

“The forum congratulates the NFF President and Members of the Executive Committee for the wonderful job they have been doing in the past four years in bringing so many trophies to the country, and for the country’s brilliant performances in all FIFA and CAF competitions, and hereby passes a vote of confidence on the Alhaji Aminu Maigari-led Board and in full support of its second term bid.”

Show some patriotism – Igbokwe tackles Amiesimaka

The Acting Chairman of the NFF Disciplinary Committee and Secretary of the South-East Football Stakeholders Conference, Barrister Iyke Igbokwe has charged former international player, Adokiye Amiesimaka to henceforth learn to show some patriotism while speaking or writing about Nigerian sports, as the former player is neither a repository of knowledge nor a shining example of administrative acumen.

Speaking in Nnewi at the weekend, Igbokwe, nicknamed Torchlight, described a recent statement by Amiesimaka that the Super Eagles would not go beyond the group stage at this year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, as unfortunate, misguided and unpatriotic.

“It is clear that Amiesimaka is envious of these players who have been able to easily steer Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup finals – something that his generation failed to do. Since Amiesimaka and his group won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil (which is his only claim to fame in the game), two other generations have gone on to win the trophy for Nigeria on away soil.

“Instead of joining Nigerians and indeed the whole of Africa to wish the team well, he is spewing ill-will and showing despicable jealousy.”

Igbokwe recalled that the NFF did not receive any help from Amiesimaka and his ilk in employing Coach Stephen Keshi in the first place. “The NFF employed Keshi and has given him all the support, and there is no rift between the two parties, so our World Cup preparations are fully on course.

“Amiesimaka’s pomposity and all-knowing talk about administration is flat because in all the years that he administered Sharks FC, he won nothing with the team and eventually led the team to relegation. The Presidents of FIFA and CAF are not ex-internationals, yet they have continued to lead the two organizations very well.”

Igbokwe called on Coach Keshi and his squad not to entertain any distractions as they begin their final preparations for the FIFA World Cup finals.

“Keshi has named his provisional list of 30 players and all we can do is support him and the team. We have a bunch of talented and determined players who will fly this nation’s flag high in Brazil, and the NFF has made adequate arrangements for the team by sealing three quality friendly matches against Scotland, Greece and USA in the run-in to the finals.

“Our prayers, support and encouragement are crucial at this moment. Let all Nigerians begin to give support for the team and the NFF, and to know that only positive vibes will make us shine at the biggest showpiece of football in Brazil.”

Angels in narrow win over Amazons, stay top of Women League

An early goal by Super Falcons’ captain Evelyn Nwabuoku earned Rivers Angels a lone goal victory over visiting Nasarawa Amazons as the Angels continued their unbeaten run in the league.

Rivers Angels scored 6min into the match with a superb free kick from the left corner of the box by the Super Falcons’ captain, Evelyn Nwabuoku and sailed high into the net at the Liberation stadium.

Nasarawa Amazons who were the 2013 champion of champions ahead of Rivers Angels, could not find the net as they got unlucky hitting the cross bar twice in the game.

The majority of the 2nd half was played in the midfield with either side not able to gain control of possession.

Coach of Rivers Angels, White Ogbonda, was happy with the result.

“I feel happy keeping Rivers Angels on top of the league for the past 6 weeks. Our aim was to get to the top and remain on top till the end of the season, said Ogbonda”.

“Our intention was to try and score and avoid conceding. Since we could only get a goal, the best was to defend the lone goal and am happy we defended it till the end of the match, he said”.

Nasarawa Amazons coach, Pastor Christopher Danjuma, was able to prove a point.

“Being last year’s champion of champions and winner of the league, we came to prove that we were not a fluke and we deserve to be champions, said Danjuma”.

“I think we proved ourselves to a level but I was expecting nothing less than a draw, he concluded”.

Super Falcons captain, Evelyn Nwabuoku spoke after the game.

“It is a privilege to be the captain of the Falcons. It does not mean I am the best. To be the captain, you have to know how to bring the players together, she said”.

“Concerning the game, I expected my team to do better but sometimes in football, you have bad days, said Nwabuoku “.

Rivers Angels have 24 points from 10 games and are 5 points clear with a game in hand against Pelican Stars.

Meanwhile, the Women League is going on a 2 weeks break due to the African Women Championship qualifiers as some of the players are also in the national team.

NFF RAPS SUPER FALCONS ON AWC, WORLD CUP TICKETS

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has told the Super Falcons to brace up for enormous tasks of qualifying for the African Women Championship (AWC) in Namibia and the World Cup in Canada

Addressing the players after training on Wednesday, Sanusi Mohammed, Director of Competition with the NFF warned the players that they cannot afford to be complacent with the AWC qualifiers which will also serve as the World Cup qualifier.

“I have been mandated by the Federation to address you on the need for all hands to be on deck towards achieving the task of qualifying for the AWC to be hosted in Namibia

“We have a very Herculean task ahead of us,only three teams will qualify to represent Africa at the next FIFA women senior world in Canada.Countries like South Africa,Cameroon,Equatorial Guinea and Ghana and other up coming countries are not lying low to see that they too qualify for the World Cup

“I know it is the dream of every player to represent her country at the World Cup ,so if you want to see your self qualify and play at the world stage you must be responsive and attentive to what ever you are told to do by your coaches

Sanusi however asked the players, coaches and other officials to continue to work in harmony as has been in camp since the team resume.

It will be recalled that Super Falcons failed to defend their AWC title in the 2012 edition at Equatorial Guinea,after they where pipped by a lone goal in the third place match by Cameroon.

The Director of Competion was in the company of Chairman of Women’s league and NFF board member Dilichukwu Onyedinma and NFF technical officer Rafiu Yusuf.

SUPER FALCONS ‘LL TAKE REVENGE AGAINST CAMEROON – DEDE

Former Skipper and first choice goalkeeper of Super Falcons Precious Dede has boasted that the April 29 international friendly match with the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in Abuja will be a perfect opportunity to avenge the 0-1 loss at the last AfricanWomen Championship (AWC) in Equatorial Guinea.

Dede said matches between the two countries have always been tough and that she is not expecting the April 29th game to be less noting that Falcons would go into the game with the AWC loss to Cameroon two years ago at the back of their mind.

“When I learnt of the Cameroon match, I jumped for joy because it will afford us the chance to take our pound of flesh from them. Losing the third place to Cameroon was very painful and we sure want to make amend by beating them to boost our confidence before the Rwanda game” she stated

The veteran goalkeeper went further to advise the young and new members
of the team to raise their game to maintain Nigeria’s superiority over Cameroon in women football explaining that whoever gets the go ahead to be in goal or in any position must give their best.

On the clash with Rwanda the Ibom Angels goalkeeper said the team is not losing sleep over the game, saying ” we don’t no much about them but I don’t see them causing us problems over the two legged encounter ”
She commended the coaches for the good job they have been doing on the team noting that the players response had also been good also for the task ahead.

“Our plan is to win back the AWC title we lost in Equatorial Guinea and I think with what I have seen so far, we shall soon return to the pinnacle of African football” she said.

…FALCONS GOALKEEPER JETS OUT TO DUBAI TO SIGN CONTRACT

Tochukwu Oluehi, the Super Falcons second choice goalkeeper is expected to jet to United Arab Emirate to sign for Al -Wahda FC.

The fair skinned safe hands told Super Falcons Media Officer Gracious Akujobi that her tickets and visa have been secured and the she is ready to go and pursue her professional career in the gulf state.

“I am happy to be leaving to begin a professional career. I will leave for Dubai on Sunday but will make myself available for national team any time my services are needed.

She would however not reveal details of her new contract with Al -Wahda pointing all that will be made know after the contract signing.

MY DAD AND MUM ALMOST FOUGHT OVER MY CHOOSING FOOTBALL AS A CAREER – OFOEGBU

Skipper of Falconets to the 2012 FIFA U-20 world cup, Gloria Ofoegbu is hungry for glory at international level, having won all that is available to be won at the domestic scene,she now focuses on winning the African Women championship (AWC) and qualifying for the World Cup .

The Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt defender told Super Falcons media officer GRACIOUS AKUJOBI in this interview that her decision to take football as a career led to serious disagreement between her parents, but at the end her father had his way and her mother who did not want her to play football because she felt football is not for women had no choice but to back her choice of career.

“I have achieved virtually everything with my club Rivers Angel FC,what I want now is to win the African women championship (AWC) and the World Cup with Falcons”

“I have always had this vision where I see Falcons winning the World Cup and I assure my self that I will be part of that team.I have been praying about it and I believe it will materialize” She said.

The no nonsense defender whose petite size does not deter her from taking on attackers says though her team pays her well,administrators of female football should desist from rating female football low in Nigeria.

“Female football is rated very low here.They keep saying it is still developing,that is why they pay us meager salary as compared to what our male counterparts earn.Meanwhile,we do same training as the men.It is high time they started paying us well”.

On why she has not moved abroad to play after her superlative performance at the last U-20 World Cup in Japan,Ofoegbu said she fell into the hands of dubious agent and now wants to take her time before moving to Europe.

“I had offers after the World Cup in Japan but my agent then was not a straight forward person .I travelled to the Netherlands for trial and to eventually sign for a Club unfortunately for me the arrangement my agent made with the club was not authentic”

“I have been having offers from so many agents who want me to be their player but I don’t want to rush into signing any deal with an agent just yet.

The fourth child among eight siblings from Imo State says if not for her father who gave her all the support she would have abandoned football as a career because her mother hated and discouraged her from playing football.

“My dad was different.He volunteered to drop me off at my training venues and even bought me jersey,booth,chin guard,canvass e.t.c when I started playing just to encourage me.He was my backbone.But when my mum saw there is money in football she started encouraging me” she stated.

As the Super Falcons are in camp now preparing to qualify for another African Women championship (AWC) Ofoegbu says she believes in her team mates as they are ready to redeem the image of Super Falcons.

GRACIOUS AKUJOBI