Midfielders in the frame for WWC consideration are the following:
1. Halimatu Ayinde 2. Christy Ucheibe 3. Tony Payne 4. Onyi Echegini 5. Ngozi Okobi 6. Regina Otu 7. Debbie Abiodun
It may make sense, in a squad of 23 players, to have 3 goalies, 8 defenders, 7 midfielders and 5 strikers
Deltamani: I don’t think we need more than this 6 Midfielders for the World Cup.. Anyway I can only sacrifice Regina Otu for another who pops up with excellent form… if not this 6 are good to go.!
In fairness to her, she was actually called to the 3 Lionesses camp twice, which may have given her the hope that she was relevant to the team. However, her bust up at Liverpool and the fact that she moved to Spain really didn't help matters for her. Its pretty obvious she is out of England's scope and any hope of International football for her lies with her hooking up with the Super Falcons. Chances of her cracking into the team now are quite slim. But who knows...
isan: She was waiting for that call from England, plumptre made up her mind to not play for England
Probably is. She dragged her feet and should have started her switch process much earlier, in order that she be a part of the WAFCON squad. She ought to have burrowed a leaf from Ashleigh Plumptre, whose switch timing was perfect.
isan: I hope it's not too late for her to make at least the provisional squad for world cup
Deborah Ajibola is not on a 'club' team in the US. She was offered a full ride Women's soccer scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. Coach Randy (as head coach of the Pitt Women's soccer program) has every right to recruit players for his program, just as they do for football, basketball, track and field, wrestling, and a host of other sports. Of course, the student has to demonstrate academic ability and possess the right qualifications to be admitted to the University, which Debbie was able to do without issue. She is a very sharp and intelligent young lady and thoroughly deserves to be admitted into the University of Pittsburgh based on merit. So no wuru-wuru there.
I thought BascoVanVeli's video profile on her move was bang on point, especially in detailing the intrinsic benefits of her move:
One other current Super-Falcon he neglected to mention in the video, who also schooled in the US and played NCAA D1 Soccer, was Ashleigh Plumptre who played at USC.
daveP: Wait, so they don use Sam Axe connection to get Deborah a spot on the us club team? Isokay.
Not sure where you got that from in her speech - she did acknowledge her team mates, both are Barca and the Super Falcons (whom she referred to as the best team in the world).
Also, as rightly pointed out, Amaju did more for women's football than his predecessors, in terms of making sure they were actively engaged in friendlies and bringing in overdue reinforcements for an already aged team. It would have been strange for her not to acknowledge him at that setting, especially when Pinnick, his wife and his daughter all gave her love before she went on stage.
lovewins: If memory serves me right, this was her acceptance speech for the 5th CAF women's award. I had issues with this speech cause she prioritised her relationship with Pinnick over the team at the time sha. I remember the girls were on a strike at the time and didn't weren't training cause of unpaid bonuses and she went ahead to praise the NFF?
Either ways sha, Asisat is still my person and of course a far better captain than Onome is.
Macleans has 4 goals in 3 games, in a much more competitive league. Does that mean she would walk into the squad? comme ci, comme ça
Deltamani: Okay ooo, Let’s see if you would take back your words later on, by the way she’s in great form and scoring goals as usual… 2goals for her earlier this morning
Demehin got injured barely 40 mins into the first game (vs. Jamaica) at the Summer Series and didn't play anymore games after that.
Demehin hadn't paired Ohale in the central defense (Ashleigh has). Coach wanted to see Demehin under pressure, that's why she played all 3 games during the recent Revelations Cup - think she passed that test in flying colors, as the Demehin/Ohale CB combo seems to be the most stable of the pairings we currently have.
Deltamani: HOPEFULLY it’s because of their upcoming exams
Again with the unavailability of Ayinde due to suspension, I don’t see Abeodun Deborah as te solution to it, there’s Ucheibe, Otu there and even Blessing Demehin is a better option at DM than the Ashleigh Plumptre especially when it comes to pace..
If Randy was really serious he would have tried Demehin there instead of Ashleigh at the summer series..
It may be a case of final exams for both ladies. Most colleges/universities here in the US wrap up for the school year by the 4th week of April, meaning exams take place about 2 weeks before that.
Also, Ayinde is suspended for the first 2 games (Straight red vs. Morocco in WAFCON). You need a backup to your two available DMs
Deltamani: Tochukwu Oluehi, Nicole Payne, Onyi Echegini and Fransisca Ordega weren’t called up….
My case is Echegini absence from the list for the Friendly games In Turkey, A Young Lad who’s already blending with the team..
No surprise with Deborah Abeodun inclusion though… But again why do we have Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Regina Otu and Deborah Abeodun all for one position??
As it looks like Tony Payne is getting fixed into the Midfield for now…
Will China 🇨🇳 Traveling restrictions allow Oparanozie
Man mi, Deltamani's legs were being pulled by me, regarding that post, if you know what I mean. And what has nationality got to do with a debate about Randy's competence or lack of? Also, I have no relation(s) to the individual(s) you referenced.
mostob: My respected elder brother, the fact that you're rating Randy's performance based on FIFA ranking just shows how limited your football knowledge is. You just have to come clean and tell is your nationality. BTW are you somewhat related to komek.n?
O wow! So, in spite of Randy's 'poor' results and his 'incompetence', according to some of you, the Super Falcons managed to climb up the FIFA rankings ladder? I wonder how that happened ?
March 2023: A total of 45 African nations ranked in the LATEST ranking as the 2023 Wafu A Women's Tournament runners-up Cabo Verde enters the list. Welcome. 🤝
🥇Nigeria retain the top spot in the continent, moving up to 42 from 45; the top 30s beckons, Super Falcons.😎
Your response would have been hilarious, if it wasn't really sad. And yes, I am quite familiar with how ethical compliance regulations work here in the US - thanks for asking. Truth is companies have let people go for much less. But of course, you would argue to the contrary. Whatever rocks your boat, bro!
You are grasping at straws at this point. Do you even know how the law works? You think conjectures are admissible in the court of law? It won't even be heard.
And Colin is obviously not a dummy that he'll cross ethical lines that'll lead to him being fired. Like I have noted severally, his reportage on Randy had been factual, you subjective gleanings of bias doesn't change that. I've also asked that you bring up any of his report in Randy that is factually wrong, or that is below journalistic standards (I'm sure you can't find any).
Do you even fully understand the terms of employment in certain countries like the US? This clearly falls under the code of conduct regulations and is arguably an ethics violation. I used the word arguably because a common thread could easily be drawn between his prior reporting of deriding Randy's record and his wife's aspiration of coaching the SF. She did apply for the role after Dennerby left and lost out to Randy. Also, a good lawyer can easily establish a relationship between Colin and Osasu (who has severally acknowledged getting some of his info from Colin) and argue that Osasu is doing Colin's bidding for him and his wife. Pretty sure Colin is not that important to his employer, ESPN and they would rather fire him than face a potential US scandal, especially when he has used their platform to criticize Randy on numerous occasions.
lovewins: Conflicts like this exist everywhere, so it isn't peculiar to them. You can't ask that Colin quits his job neither can you ask for Mercy not to aspire to higher strides in her professional journey.
The denominator however is that Colin is expected to live up to the highest journalist ideals. It's why I asked you if you can't factually point out any story on the falcons that Colin falls short of this (I'll be waiting). Yes he criticizes Randy, but are they criticism devoid of facts?
Also, you were the one who claimed that Osasu was fed what to report by Colin when Osasu had just a few tweets before reported he caught up with Mercy and they had wide range conversations about the Falcons. You allowed your own bias colour your opinion and cast doubt on the professional integrity of 2 renowned journalist. Mind you, same Osasu had reported on NFF'S complicity in forcing Randy to work with an assistant coach that almost beat him up and how problematic that was.
There is an obvious 'conflict of interest' issue with Colin here (that is without doubt). If Osasu is getting his info from Colin and furthering it on to the public, then it calls to question their motives and by extension, their credibility.
lovewins: I think it's rather unfair to cast doubt on the credibility of renowned journalist like Collin and Osasu irrespective of our biases. I personally do not like Osasu's journalistic style as I feel he's sometimes too invasive, I'll however not cast doubt on his work. If he says he spoke to Mercy, then he did. Colin can also objectively report on the Falcons while rooting for his wife to get the Falcon's job. It doesn't have to be an either or situation. We only call him out if what is reported is factually untrue. I doubt if you can point to any of his reportage that is false.
Yeah, and we know where Obayiuwana gets all his information from - Colin Udoh. Colin only happens to be the husband of Mercy Akide. Even a 2 yr old kid would know the game Colin is pulling here - angling for his wife to be the Falcon's coach.
I beg, make pesin see road!
Deltamani: A story: Once upon a time, according to @MarvellousMercy, she was at a @FIFAcom event, where she met up with former @Lionesses manager Hope Powell (pictured right). Mercy says Hope asked her why she was not coaching the @NGSuper_Falcons.
Before Powell asked her the question, Mercy had been told by @PinnickAmaju to tell Powell that he was keen on having her take over the @NGSuper_Falcons. When Mercy passed the message on, Powell told Akide that she was the one to take up the job.
Powell met @PinnickAmaju for a conversation & she told Pinnick the same thing. We can all see what came out of that conversation - nada, as we have the @PittTweet soccer coach managing the @NGSuper_Falcons on a part time basis, as if the team is a buka opening from 9am to 5pm.
I think you just debunked your argument about him going back to experienced players, based on the examples you gave of players who, once they demonstrated they belonged, became mainstays in the team. Its about steadily grooming new players into becoming regulars vs. shoving them into the deep-end and hoping they swim and not sink.
lovewins: Baba you are being clever by half. First, the comment you highlighted contextually is about Randy's future use of Onyi so you can't say I'm wrong on something that hasn't happened.
Secondly, I already established that Randy just like Rohr leverages on "experience" most times to his own detriment. Those players you mentioned are young al young players. Compere with a few others who Randy brought into the team.
Ifeoma Onumonu: she was introduced during the USA invitational. She featured in ALL the games and have started for Nigeria since then
Toni Payne: she featured in same USA invitational. Started all of them and has started ever since.
Mitchelle Alozie: featured in same friendly and has started since.
He obviously reposed confidence more in these players cause they were already professionals.
I believe you are. Based on what I have seen, his preference is to gently bring players on to help their levels of confidence (which is the approach any right thinking coach will take). We saw that with Nicole Payne, Rofiat Imuran, Debbie Abiodun and Echegini)
lovewins: First, it was in that Canada game I knew Onyi had great potentials, only needed confidence and time to prove that.
Second your facts are incomplete. Randy introduced her in the first game against Canada (she played 11mins). She was however unused throughout the second Canada game. She was also an unused substitute against the USA even when it was obvious we had a midfield challenge. He again started her off the bench in the second USA game. She came in only in the second half. Again I'm thankful that he brought her into the team and he's starting to use her, but typical Randy will likely still bench her for "experience" when it matters most. I hope I'm wrong
Deltamani: Akpan Ashanti 17 year old Nigerian Midfielder
Akpan Ashanti made her first senior debut on Sunday for Chelsea women's team as she came on as a 64th minute substitute for Sophie Ingle during Chelsea Vitality Womens FA cup victory against Reading on Sunday
Born to an Akwa Ibom Father, and a Polish mother, Ashanti plays for Chelsea Women’s Youth Team and is eligible to play Internationally for Poland, England & the Super Falcons of Nigeria. 💙
So? Esther was THE best player at Lamar University in Beaumont here in TX. Did that mean she was a super star? No. Yet, when she debuted for Nigeria in the second half against Jamaica, it was easy to realize that even though she was still green, she was definitely a 'keeper' (i.e. someone who could potentially become important to the team). Same with Chinwe Alozie, Tosin Demehin (who started but got injured) and Onumonu.
Deltamani: I hope you know she was their best at Mississippi State, and again the talent was there to see.. Talking about the Canada game, we can’t rate her with that as she wasn’t even on the field up to 20minutes if I’m not mistaken..?
Better finisher than who? Oshoala? That's absolutely NOT true. One is primed to win the Pichichi while the other barely has 5 or 6 goals in the Belgian league. She is not even a starter in her Club Brugge YLA.
Please, let's get serious and stop all the sentimental talk!
Deltamani: With what have seen Roosa play she’s a better than finisher, her decision in front of goal is quite better than some of the No.9 have seen in the Falcons team of recent.. The Belgium 🇧🇪 league is also good enough far better than the Belarusian, Turkish and Polish side… Hand to Hand the Belgium league should be there among the Finland, Swiss, Austria, Russia ,Scotland and Czech Republic leagues.. This girls need playing time too, we already know Onumonu capabilities, why not rest her a little and give Roosa Ariyo, Macleans some game time to see what they have to offer..
You do realize Onyi's first game was against Canada during the friendly. And truth be told, she hardly impressed in that game. Also note that she was still with Mississippi State at the time. She couldn't make the Japan friendly due to School.
Fast forward till the revelation cup - she had now transferred to Florida State who had a very good run in the NCAA Women's soccer competition, in which she played a very significant part. Bigger program, greater exposure more confidence. All that came to fore in her performance in the revelation cup.
The way Randy brought her into the team was spot on!
lovewins: I personally tilt towards allowing a coach call a player of his choosing for the most part. While I am an advocate for using our best hands, I also think coaches should be allowed the liberty to chose whoever they think best cause they primarily bear the responsibility.
Randy is just like Gernot Rohr who would rather leverage on experienced players. See how long it took him to start Onyi. I won't even be surprised if Onyi doesn't start at the world cup. The only reason why I am advocating for Roosa to be given time is cause we have a goal scoring problem. We've scored just 3 goals in our last 8 games. We need a better finisher and Roosa offers that option
Based on the match and training sessions I saw of Ariyo during the Summer series, she wasn't really up to scratch. She appeared slow and unable to properly grasp the style of play and how she fit into that. Compared to the newcomers, especially Okoronkwo, she was a few paces off track. She has also struggled with the teams she has been on, from Tenerife (injury) to Betis (where she was loaned out to a div 2 team) and then Club Brugge YLA, where she comes off the bench. I don't see her being better than any of the strikers Randy has invited so far.
Zogg has been given ample opportunity to impress. She was at the Summer series and also the camp in Turkey. She has had her struggles with injury and is slowly working her way back. Even now, she has largely been on the bench and has very few minutes of playing time. Again, I don't see her being better than any of our top 25 players.
So, Randy is absolutely right in looking elsewhere for now.
Deltamani: Don’t think so, the Ladies haven’t been given that much time to play for the team talk more of being good enough…
I remember when a friend of mine who’s a top journalist here in 9ja asked me about Echegini, that why is Randy inviting her instead of Some other players… But after the Revelation Cup game in Mexico 🇲🇽 he was like Echegini is bomb even as a Collegiate…
My own is that Zogg and Roosa especially hasn’t been given much time…
Former Super Falcons Coach, Mabo Dies at 79 March 13, 2023 11:54 am Former Super Falcons Coach, Mabo Dies at 79
The Nigeria’s football family has been thrown into mourning on Monday after news of the death of former Super Falcons coach, Ismaila Mabo.
The news of his death was confirmed by Mabo’s brother, Engr. Mansir Salihu Nakande in the early hours of Monday morning.
He said: “The death of our elder brother, Ismaila Mabo, has occurred in the early hours of this Monday, after a protracted illness.”
Funeral activities have commenced with prayers at the family house in Jos and the burial at the Zaria road burial ground, according to Muslim rites.
Recall that the late Ismaila Mabo was head coach of the Super Falcons at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and was also in charge at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics.
He coached the Super Falcons to their best ever performance at the 1999 World Cup tournament when the team reached the quarterfinals.
In 1998, Mabo led the Super Falcons to their first ever African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) win, scoring 28 goals and conceding none to lift the maiden trophy.
He was also in charge when the Falcons successfully defended the AWCON title in South Africa in 2000.
The legendary coach was the captain of Mighty Jets Football Club of Jos, where he played as a central defender throughout his soccer career before venturing into coaching.
You hit the nail on the head! Not only did Onyi transfer to a bigger program (Miss. State to Florida State), so did Nicole Payne (West Virginia to USC). Confident Debbie would easily walk into the Pitt starting 11 and become a star player in the ACC women's soccer conference, as well as getting a GREAT education. Best move!
lovewins: The good thing though is that she's in that space. If she does well she can easily transfer to another program in the US, say Florida where Onyi is. Just do well and catch some attention, better programs will come for you.
Now Time For Zambian Football And Its Top Female Players
Forbes Africa Published 3 months ago By Forbes Africa
It is often said that women’s football will not develop and grow until teams are given more international fixtures to play, and Zambia’s Copper Queens are the shining example of this. One of their current stars is goal-scoring midfielder Ireen Lungu.
ZAMBIAN WOMEN’S FOOTBALL HAS SEEN A meteoric rise in the last 12 months, culminating in the country’s first-ever qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup that will be staged in Australia and New Zealand.
The side is reaping the reward of their own hard work, but also the exposure they gained to the international stage when they managed to qualify for the Olympic Games held in Tokyo last year. It is often said that women’s football will not develop and grow until teams are given more international fixtures to play, and Zambia’s Copper Queens are the shining example of this. One of their current stars is goal-scoring midfielder Ireen
Lungu, who played every minute at the Olympics and followed that up by playing all six games as Zambia took the bronze medal at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and in doing so qualified for the World Cup.
She paints a picture of a side who were fearful to play on the international stage, but have gained confidence with every outing they have had.
“The Olympics was where it started, that experience we had, and we carried that into the WAFCON and gained even more from that tournament,” Lungu tells FORBES AFRICA.
“We came up against some great players and that took our confidence to another level again.
“But the Olympics’ experience was tough. Many of us had never played against white people before, but after the first game, where we lost 10-3 to Netherlands, that actually boosted our confidence. It sounds strange, but it did.
“We could see the level and felt that we could go higher ourselves. In every game after that we improved and that
removed the fear we had from every player. It turned into a great tournament in terms of helping us to grow and improve.
“If I look at how we have progressed from before then, we sometimes struggled to display our best football but now we have a lot of players who have competed at the highest level.
“Everyone [back home] now wants to compete and be part of the national team, which makes for greater competition among players.”
That was not the only highlight for Zambian football. Lungu’s club Green Buffaloes recently qualified for the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco later this year, and in doing so beat current African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who had a star-studded line-up.
It is yet more continental exposure for Zambian football.
“We were so happy to beat Mamelodi Sundowns, they are a good team with quality players compared to what our clubs have back in Zambia,” Lungu says. “That’s because in South Africa there are many sponsors [for women’s football] compared to what we have at home.
“That is starting to change, there is sponsorship coming in and now it is up to everyone to show that improvement and why corporates should invest in women’s football.”
Lungu says the changing face of the game in Zambia is pleasing, as is the multitude of opportunities offered to young girls compared to when she started out and was forced to play in boys’ teams.
Though she credits that for her rapid development.
“I started playing in 2007 when I was still in Primary School. I used to play with the boys there. There was no girls’ teams where I was staying back then so I was very used to playing with and against boys. That was my only choice,” she says.
“When there was the chance to play with girls, I actually found it very hard to do so because all I had known to that point was playing with boys. It was a big adjustment. I tried to find a better team with girls who knew how to play football. I found the standard too low.”
She also admits to the fact that, certainly 15 years ago, attitudes towards women playing the sport were not as they are today.
“It was quite tough because where we come from the parents don’t want to allow you to go and play [if you are a girl], so it was very hard for me. But I had to stand up for myself and say, ‘this is what I want and nothing will stop me from playing’.
“I am where I am today because of determination and discipline. I am also a very hard-working player.”
She will hope a positive showing at the World Cup puts her in line for a contract abroad, and with it the chance to go fully professional as a footballer.
“That’s the thing now I am pushing for now. I don’t want to be in my country anymore, I want to go and play in new leagues. That is a big ambition of mine and something I have to work extra hard towards,” she says.
“I would like to go to any country as long as there is competition, but Spain looks like a good option. I want to compete with great players so that I can improve my own level.”
Danielnino00: Zambia wey we normally thrash... Some people will say they have caught up with us in terms of women football development... How? What investment have they made? South Africa and Morocco are the only country in Africa I can point out as having serious development going on in women football,and that's naturally because both countries are close to being called developed countries.. I'm sure Egypt,Algeria and Tunisia are doing well too but the talent isn't much..Maybe because of the nature of their demographics..they obviously have the football infrastructure...
If you understood how the CCL youth soccer league works in the US, you wouldn't be so enamored by the records you have posted. Coaching at the CCL don't mean didly squat! Its pretty much equivalent to coaching at a Junior high school. If she coached at a D1 University or better (i.e. NWSL club, or the US Olympic camps, etc.) THEN you can say she might be ready to coach the SE. Its not only laughable, but embarrassing that you would even compare Randy's credentials with hers. Really!
Deltamani: If I can remember in 2021Season, Coach Florence Omagbemi finished with a record of 15 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie to finish the season as the champions in the CCL youth league. They scored 47 goals during league play.
Should I call her our Woman Pep Guardiola,
Guardiola did it with Barcelona from coaching their B team to becoming the main team Coach, Bayern Munich and now Manchester City.. It can happen.
Sports › Re: Nigeria Female National Teams' Thread by AkinDS: 6:08pm On Mar 30, 2023*. Modified: 7:26pm On Mar 30, 2023
