OKON: AKUJOBI’S DEATH STILL A SHOCK

Former Coach of the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons and coach of Nigeria Women Football league Champions, Rivers Angels, Edwin Okon has described the death of the Super Falcons media officer, Gracious Akujobi as a great shock.

Gracious who passed on last week Thursday after suddenly fallen ill at the team’s Parkview Hotel, Zone 1, and was rushed to the hospital by the team doctor and physiotherapist and other officials but died on arrival at the General Hospital, Maitama, Abuja

The former Falcons coach who worked with late Gracious during the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada where the team crashed out in the group stage, said the news came to him as a shock.

Gracious Akujobi

“Well it’s shocking news to me, the day I heard the news I wept seriously because I don’t think I expected that kind of a thing to happen to her, not that she was sick, I saw her during our last FA cup match in Abuja and only for me to hear that she died.

“I think I can’t judge, it is only God that knows the cause of her death and I think it’s a shocking one too, I only pray that her soul rest in peace” said Okon.

CANADA 2015: ‘GROUP OF DEATH’ WILL BRING OUT THE BEST IN US – OKON

Super Falcons Coach, Edwin Okon has stated categorically that the “group of death” his side are drawn in will bring out the best in the team.

Falcons are drawn against former world champions, USA and top female football nation, Sweden and Australia in group D with Winnipeg as host city.

An upbeat Okon said he was not afraid of the big names in the group.

“We are not afraid of any team as no group is simple; Every group is tough, having USA in our group does not put fear in us, instead it will gives us the extra determination to train and prepare better.”

Super Falcons Coach Edwin Okon

“Going into the World Cup as African champions they too are afraid of us. We have set a target for ourselves which is going farther than we have ever done in the World Cup. This is achievable but we cannot afford to fear any team” said Okon.

Okon said further that his team does not need too much information about their opponents but focus on preparing well for the tournament.

“We don’t need to know about our opponents; all we need to do is to prepare very well and then come out to play. We are not nervous about any team, every team is good we just have to prepare very well”

“We are hoping to top our group, which is our target. With God on our side and good preparation, we hope to top the group and go all the way”

This is the first time ever that the World Cup will be played by 24 countries .The event runs from June 6-July 5 2015. Falcons start their World Cup campaign against Sweden on June 8.

Meanwhile, the team’s delegation has undergone workshops and seminars before leaving for Winnipeg for venue inspection. The delegation returns back to Nigeria this week.

NFF Delegation Set For Canada 2015 Draw

The delegation of Nigeria Football Federation to Saturday’s 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, Canada 2015, will depart from Abuja on Thursday morning.

Coach Edwin Okon, who led the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, to clinch a seventh African title in Namibia in October, will be joined by Team Administrator, Ruth David and Team Media Officer, Gracious Akujobi.

The Draw Ceremony for the 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals will be held in Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, on Saturday, with 24 finalist teams to be divided into six groups of four teams each.

Already qualified for the finals are host Canada, United States of America, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, Norway, Sweden, England, Japan, Australia, Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon, China, Korea Republic, Thailand and New Zealand.

The last spot will be taken by the winner of the intercontinental play –off between Ecuador and Trinidad and Tobago. Both teams battled to a a scoreless first leg in Quito, with the return leg taking place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on Tuesday, December 2.

The finals will be staged 6th June – 5th July, 2015 in six Canadian cities, viz: Edmonton (State of Alberta), Moncton (State of New Brunswick), Montreal (State of Quebec), Vancouver (State of British Columbia), Ottawa (State of Ontario) and Winnipeg (State of Manitoba).

Nigeria has featured in all six previous editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991 (China), 1995 (Sweden), 1999 and 2003 (USA), 2007 (China) and 2011 (Germany), with a quarter final berth in 1999 the Super Falcons’ best effort so far.

SUPER FALCONS DECAMP THURSDAY

The Victorious Super Falcons team will be formally decamped on thursday after winning the African Women Championship in Namibia for the 7th time.

Team Administrator Ruth Davids who intimated the players of the de-camping also disclosed that they are expected to return next week for a presidential reception at Aso Rock Villa.

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday received the AWC trophy at the Villa from team captain Evelyn Nwabuoku in company of NFF president Amaju Pinnick and Chief Coach Edwin Okon and promised to formally host them on the 5th of November.

Super Falcons

“I want to welcome you girls from Namibia for doing us proud and winning the trophy for a record 7 times

“You have done well and I promise that as a nation we will always celebrate you

“I am only receiving this trophy from you today but I will host you girls on the 5th of November” Mr President stated.

The team was led to Aso Rock Villa by NFF president Amaju Pinnick, vice president Seyi Akinwunmi executive member Ahmed Fresh and president of the Nigeria football supporters club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo

Meanwhile,the players and team officials have been paid all their entitlements accruing from their participation at the AWC.

AWC:VICTORIOUS FALCONS ARRIVE NIGERIA

AWC:VICTORIOUS FALCONS ARRIVE NIGERIA

*Minister harps on corporate sponsors for team

Seven-time African champions, Super Falcons arrived Lagos around 4:15am Monday morning to a warm reception from Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, some staff of the federation and National Sports Commission (NSC) staff.

The team, who are lodged at the Eko Hotel and Suites, flew aboard South African Airlines with the Minister of Sports, Tammy Danagogo, who was on ground to watch the girls beat Cameroon to reclaim the trophy they lost 2 years ago.

Danagogo at a media parley in the team’s hotel praised the team for winning the trophy for a record seventh time,and urged cooperate sponsors to invest in the Super Falcons because they have great potential to win major trophies for the country.

Sports Minister Tammy Danaggogo flanked by NFF president Amaju Pinnick and NFF first Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi at the media parley at Eko Suites.

“We must as a government do everything possible to appreciate the crop of footballers we have in the Super Falcons. I want to call on all Nigerians; all sports lovers to do everything possible to appreciate these girls because I know that they went through so much odds to be able to come back with the trophy

“Against all odds these girls proved to all Nigerians and indeed Africa that they still remain the undisputed champions of Africa. That is why I want all of us to support and encourage them and also to ask corporate Nigeria to begin to look into how to support female football in the country.”

“Nobody should be surprised that female football may be the next easiest means for Nigeria to get trophies at the world stage, so we should begin as a people and as corporate citizens to support these young girls because from the discipline, passion and talent I see in them, I have no doubt in my heart that very soon they will come back to Nigeria with the female World Cup” said Danagogo.

Falcons will on Tuesday depart Lagos for Abuja where they will be hosted by the National Sports Commission before meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday morning.

PRES.JONATHAN TO HOST VICTORIOUS SUPER FALCONS ON WEDNESDAY

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan will receive the victorious African women champions The Super Falcons at the federal executive council meeting on Wednesday.

Minister of sports and chairman of National Sports Commission, Tammy Danagogo who divulged this when he met with the Super Falcons before they beat the Lionesses of Cameroon 2-0 in the final of the African Women’s Championship.

According to the minister, a proposal has been sent to Mr. President to receive the team at FEC meeting on Wednesday noting that he is quite sure Mr. President will be looking forward to meet the Falcons on their return as he praised the girls for doing Nigeria proud in Namibia.

Standing from Left:Super Falcons captain Evelyn Nwabuoku,NFF board member Dilichukwu Onyedinma,Nigeria High Commissioner in Namibia ;Ambassasdor Biodun Olurunfemi,Minister for Sports Tammy Danagogo and wife of the Ambassador at the Nigerian House for the dinner.

” I know it is not just going to be a presidential hand shake alone because he likes to appreciate those who do the country proud in any sector of national endeavour. Just get the job done and leave the rest” the minister stated

Meanwhile, the Super Falcons are expected to depart Windhoek for Johannesburg by 2pm on Sunday and depart for Lagos by 11pm and will spend the night in Lagos.

The Minister also divulged during the victory dinner at the Nigerian House Windhoek that arriving Lagos the team will be welcomed by the Lagos community,where they will spend a night. They will then leave for Abuja on Tuesday where they will be hosted by the National Sports Commission (NSC) before the team meets with Mr President on Wednesday.

BEATING SOUTH AFRICA IS KEY TO AWC TITLE – ONOME

Ahead of their crunch semi final clash in the African Women Championship (AWC) Super Falcons central defender Onome Ebi says the match is key to reclaiming the title they lost two years ago in Equatorial Guinea.

Onome, a prominent member of the team that lost to Van Wyk solitary strike at this same stage in 2012 said they would not allow the mistakes of that defeat to repeat itself again in Namibia.

She said that the mistakes were actually that of poor finishing in front of goal and being complacent during the game adding that they have learnt their lessons and will not allow such to happen again.

Onome Ebi, photo credit fifa.com

“We lost to Banyana last time because we were not able to take our chances and they took theirs and converted their only chance to win. We have learnt our lesson and that will be our guiding principle when we meet on wednesday in the semi final

“This match means so much to us. We know a win will give us ticket to the women world cup aside from taking home the trophy, so we shall take the match as if it is the final. We have to revenge that loss and restore our pride as African queens. We just have to beat them to reach the final

She continued “to me this is the most important game for us as a win qualifiers us for world cup next year and it will further show we are the best in Africa. We have young and energetic players who have made Falcons a stronger team”

Onome who plies her trade in Belarus with FK Minsk stated that her confidence is boosted by the calibre of strikers and the energy the young girls bring into the team adding that Banyana, Banyana will no doubt be tough but that they must fall.

AWC: GO FOR MAXIMUM POINTS, OKON CHARGES FALCONS

Super Falcons’ Coach, Edwin Okon has read the riot act to the team, saying that he wants nothing but the three points at stake when they clash against hosts Namibia at the ongoing Africa Women Championship.

The six-time African champions, who have already qualified for the semifinals of this year’s edition after a 6-0 drubbing of the She-polopolo of Zambia on Tuesday, take on Namibia on Friday in their last Group A match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium and Coach Okon says he wants nothing but victory against the hosts.

“Against Namibia I want victory. We are not taking our feet off the pedal. This is a championship and no team is here to soft-pedal for anyone. We are gunning for the maximum nine points from our group stages matches

Super Falcons coach – Edwin Okon. Photo credit
: FIFA

“People are talking about approaching the match against Namibia lackadaisically because we have already qualified but I have seen their team and they are not a bad side to be handled lightly. There are no longer minnows in football so we will enter the game with the same mindset we had against Ivory Coast and Zambia.

“The 21 players here are good and equal to the task at hand. Anyone who is called upon to represent us will not fail to deliver” said Okon.

The team trained on Thursday after resting on Wednesday after the Zambian game.

Meanwhile, Super Falcons will for the third time in a row wear their traditional green jersey on green hose, while their opponents, Namibia will adorn red jersey on green hose.

Center Referee for the match is Lilia Abdeljaqued (Tunisia); Assistant Referee1, Ayawa Mana Dzodope (Togo); Assistant Referee2, Mary Njoroge (Kenya) and Reserve Referee, Incaf el-Harkaqui (Morocco).

The Match Commissioner is Felix Amoah Ansong from Ghana.

The game is scheduled for Friday 17th and will kick-off 5pm local time which is 4pm Nigerian time.

AWC SEMI-FINAL BERTH: OKON HAILS FALCONS

Super Falcons gaffer, Edwin Okon has hailed his team’s performance against the She-polopolo of Zambia, but reiterated that their quest is to reach the finals of the African Women Championship (AWC).

Speaking during the post-match press briefing after his team whitewashed Zambia 6-0, Okon said that though they have qualified for the semifinal of the ongoing championship in Namibia, it is still not yet uhuru until they get to the final and win.

Super Falcons coach – Edwin Okon. Photo credit
: FIFA

“I am excited for booking the ticket to the semifinal stage but it is not yet over. Our eyes are on the ball and we are looking to get to the final and win the Cup for a record seven times. Like I said earlier before the game, we are going to take it one match at a time” said Okon.

Meanwhile, Coach of the losing She-polopolo, Charles Bwale has blamed the officiating which he termed pathetic, but wished Nigeria well as they progressed in the championship.

“Pathetic refereeing cost us the match. You can’t play one man down against Nigeria. But all the same, I congratulate Nigeria for making it into the knock out stage. In the coming game, we will improve, as well as in the next AWC”

Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match, Nigeria vs Zambia, Super Falcons Ngozi Ebere, Receiving her award

Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match, Ngozi Ebere, dedicated the award to Almighty God, saying that she gave her best for the team.

“I feel excited for winning the MVP and I dedicate it to Almighty God for making it possible for me to win it”

The Falcons were simply too much for the Zambians as goals from in-form striker, Desire Oparanozie, who scored a brace, Ngozi Okobi, Osinachi Ohale, Asisat Oshoala and veteran goal poacher, Perpetua Nkwocha, saw them off in grand style.

Super Falcons will next play hosts, Namibia in their last group A match on Friday October 17th

AWC : FALCONS BEST YET TO COME – OKOBI

Ngozi Okobi who was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Super Falcons 4-2 win of Ivory Coast at the on going Africa Women Championship (AWC) says the best of the team has yet to come.

“I was overwhelmed when I was named the Most Valuable Player and I dedicate the award to my family”

“What we played against Cote d’ Ivoire is just a tip of the iceberg as Super Falcons are capable of doing greater things in this championship. We always knew the Ivoireans who eliminated the 2012 champions Equatorial Guinea will be tough so we took them seriously

Ngozi Okobi, PHOTO CREDIT fifa.com

“In the next game we will see a different Falcons. We shall play better now that we have navigated our opening game succesfully. Out target is to reclaim the title and we are here to give our best to achieve that” Okobi stated

The Super Falcons opened scoring in the 12th minute of the game through Esther Sunday who latched on to a sassy play by Ngozi Okobi to beat the Ivory Coast goalkeeper

The Ivorians responded 10 minutes later when Rebecca Elloh was fell in the box by Onome Ebi and Fatou Culibaly Tiegnou coolly beat Precious Dede to level up score at 1-1

Falcons persistent pressure yielded fruit in the 54th min. when Mariam Diakite scored an own goal while attempting to clear her goal area to give the Nigerians a 2-1 lead.

Desire Oparanozie made it 3-1 in the 74th with a good finish from Esther Sunday’s floater. But Cote d Ivoire pegged Nigeria back when Christine Lehoues Yeble was gifted a loose ball to fire home.

Oparanozie completed the scoring with three minutes left of play benefitting from
A pass from Asisat Oshoala to make 4-2

Speaking after the match Nigeria’s coach Edwin Okon said the Ivorians gave the Falcons a good game noting that they never played under pressure

He said that winning the cup is not negotiable and that Super Falcons will continue to improve.

NIGERIAN ENVOY MOBILIZES SUPPORT FOR SUPER FALCONS

The Nigerian High Commissioner to Namibia Biodun Olorunfemi has told the Super Falcons that they would not be lacking support while the African Women Championship lasts in Namibia.

Speaking in the dressing room after the match against Ivory Coast the High Commissioner urged Falcons to go all out to do their thing on the pitch and leave the rest for him and his staff.

“We are here to ensure that you are not lacking physical and moral support from this opening game to the last day. Nigerians in Namibia have been mobilized to come and cheer you to victory in all your matches

“Winning this opening game is a moral booster which also sends strong signal to others that you are here to win the cup.The cup is there for you to take home but you must work very hard to meet the expectations back home” he stated

He called on the team to remain focussed and committed to the task of reclaiming the title as well as pilot the development of women in Africa and Nigeria.

AWC:FALCONS ARRIVE NAMIBIA PROMISE TO BEAT CIV AS BIRTHDAY GIFT TO OSHOALA

Nigeria’s Super Falcons who arrived Windhoek Thursday evening for the ninth edition of the African Women Championship (AWC) have expressed readiness to beat giant killers Cote D’Ivoire on Saturday as signs of their resolve to reclaim the title they lost two years ago.

The six times African champions were received on arrival by Nigeria’s envoy to Namibia Ambassasdor (Dr) Biodun N. Olorunfemi who urged them to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria on and off the pitch and also to return home with the trophy.

Skipper Evelyn Nwabuoku in her response told the high commission that they stand by the promise they made to Mr. President and Nigerians that they would bring back the cup to Nigeria come October 25.

She said the team haS also promised to show their intentions in this tournament by beating Ivory Coast as a gift to striker Asisat Oshoala who celebrated her 20th birthday on Thursday.

Oshoala the MVP and top goal scorer at Under-20 world cup in Canada on her part said she would work hard for the team to do well and achieve their target of reclaiming the title they lost in Equatorial Guinea two years ago

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

“I thank God for making me add another year to my life and I wish to celebrate it by performing well and also by meeting the expectations of Nigerians at this AWC.

“I don’t make promises but I can only assure that I will give my best to ensure that we do well and win the cup for Nigerians. Adding another year to my life in a foreign land portend lots of positives for me and the team and I pray that God will give us the strenght and luck to win the cup” she said

The Falcons touched down at Windhoek airport by 3.30pm (local time) after transiting at the O R Tambo airport in Johannesburg for six hours.

The team who are lodged at the Safari hotel will have a feel of the Sam Nujoma stadium by 7. 30pm Friday.

There is no injury problem with the team and all the players are eagerly looking forward to this opening game.

Gracious Akujobi,

We Are Going To Bring Back The Cup-NKWOCHA

Super Falcons’ veteran striker Perpetua Nkwocha has expressed the optimism that they will reclaim the African Women Championship they lost two years ago to then host Equatorial Guinea.

Perpetua Nkwocha, photo credit laget.se

The Sunana SK of Sweden forward who is one of the six foreign based players enlisted for AWC in Namibia said her optimism stemmed from the commitment and impressive performance of the team since her arrival last week.

He stated that losing the AWC in Equatorial Guinea was a big set back which they are raring to surmount in Namibia, noting that she is thrilled by the way the young players have integrated into the squad in such a short time.

“We are going to Namibia to prove that we are still number one in Africa and that the title is ours to lose. With what I have seen of the team so far, it will be very difficult to stop the Super Falcons at AWC. We are going to bring back the cup.

Perpetua Nkwocha. photo credit fifa

“We are not going to take any game easy because we want to win back what belong to us. We shall face any team as if we are playing the United States of America or Japan. It is true the women game has improved in Africa but we are still the best because we have a good youth program” she stated

The former Africa footballer of the year assured Nigerians that the Falcons will go to Canada for the World Cup as African champions.