₦airaland Forum

BascoVanVeli:
One of their best player's #10 got injured but her sub#3 is just as good and even scores. Their wingers are beasts and yes the future for Ghana looks very bright but I think they will finish in the top 4 in this competition

If only our NFF cared about female football. We have some decent U17s also. One girl in Osun babes was invited to the falcon camp.
Me think Ghana and Cameroon will go far. Almost qualified for quarter finals now.

BascoVanVeli:
Ghana is playing some sexy football in this U17. They wan kee Uruguay for their backyard

They're quite good. The future looking good for Ghana.

Our last friendly against France. We lost big, but the team is taking shape. Nnadozie was the keeper in 1st half and did really really well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iZRX191i6k

I think Nnadozie should be our number 1 irrespective of her age. She's quite a good goalie. Afterall super eagles took a 19 year old keeper to Russia.

Thomas Dennerby: Why I included Rasheedat Ajibade and Anam Imo in Nigeria squad
The Falconets striking duo could make their first Africa Women's Cup of Nations appearance and the Swede has explained their inclusion
Thomas Dennerby says he included Rasheedat Ajibade and Anam Imo in Nigeria's 2018 Africa Women's Cup of Nations squad to help the U20 Women's World Cup stars gain experience.

The Falconets duo were named in the 21-woman final squad by the Swede despite their uninspiring display at the 2018 Fifa U20 Women's World Cup in France in August.

Earlier in February, both starred in the Super Falcons' bronze-winning campaign at the 2018 Women's WAFU Cup in Abidjan, where they defeated Mali 2-1 in the third place match.
Despite their lack of experience, the 59-year-old is unmoved as he believes both strikers can build upon their World Cup experience from France in Ghana.

"As a coach, it is always good if you can show that you trust them, especially when it's young players because they need more support," Dennerby told Goal.

"As long as you are a player and the older you're, you will need less support and less instruction. It is like when you start in school, the young you're - you need more instructions.

"And after a couple of years, you have to start to learn some by yourself. In the end, you can be part of teaching younger girls on and off the pitch, especially on how to behave when in camp.

"That's why it was good some of them were at the U20 Women's World Cup tournament and being aware of what if takes to play on the big stage and being part of such long camping is quite different from being at home."

Dennerby further pledged to offer Ajibade and Imo some minutes to gain experience at the tournament, while stressing his side's determination to impress and retain the title.

"I think Ajibade have a unique playing vision and she really has the feeling of what to do and where to run when on the field." he continued.

"She also has something that is really important which is making players around her do better because she is smart and also creates space for others.

"For Anam, she also has her own special strength, using her speed, good touches and energy. In our friendly game against the boys (Dominion Hotspur), we had a good period on the right side in the last 30 minutes and we created chances and scored from it.

"Of course, they are young and we don't expect that they are the one that will run the team. We hope during the tournament we can bring them in to gain experience for the future but when it comes to the big games, we have to win and perform well.

"It all depends on how the games look like. I and Jorgen and the rest of the coaching staff will have to take the decisions when we see what happens in the games. You could have a plan going into a match but it could also change quickly."

I like this coach. Ajibade is a rare gem. She's the type that will run away from goal to drag a defender with her so her team mate can be through on goal. Intelligent player. The future is bright. I think her best position is attacking midfield due to her vision.

Cameroon is huffing and puffing early. 6-0 win over Zambia. I think they will meet us in the Semis.

Schemerkhiz:
FULL TIME: Ghana �� 1-0 �� South Africa Samira Sulemana, 20*

Good goal. I watched it on Twitter. Hopefully we get to play a female team in coming days. A chance to spank them as a morale booster.

BascoVanVeli:
South Africa is the most prepared for every competition but we always beat them.

South Africa like to show and huff and puff. They played more friendly games over the year, but they didnt show much improvement. Individually, they do not have new exciting players. Like their men, they just come across as unintelligent footballers who can dribble in open goal. I can easily predict that they will run and run and dribble and create really good goal scoring opportunities, but still manage to lose by 2 goals or more.

PDPGuy:
My own take is that we don’t need any slow players in midfield cos the likes of SA, USA or France would rip us apart in the world cup

Why did you include SA? They're not that good.

Schemerkhiz:
Talking about players that brings about something ordinary to a team.. Ngozi Okobi is an Example of one of them. she is technically gifted, she initiate attack easily and have that ability to distribute that defense splitting passes and pull out..
I think she is the most skillful player in the Superfalcons setup.

Okobi is a gift. We are lucky in Nigeria because we have a solid production line. I can already name 5 or so players who can start challenging Okobi for her position in 2 years time.

Daejoyoung:
Ajibade is not a bad player at all, but she hasn't been that spectacular, in terms of bringing in something extra ordinary when needed, she is still young but for now in my eyes, she doesn't come across to me as one in the class of Mercy Akide, Perpetua Nkwocha, or even Desire Oparanozie and Asissat Oshoala, time would tell though.

Bro, on her day, Ajibade is unplayable. I think she's well on the path to be greater than Oshoala. Asisat has pace, added to her skills. Ajibade plays with a lot of intelligence, much higher than her age.
I watched Oshoala when she was at U17 and was playing as a defensive/central midfielder. Her touches then were so magnificent. Ajibade is like that too. I think coaches have not exploited her best position. At U20 last time, she was often isolated and had to do too much. At the previous U20, she was unplayable.

Put that girl in the hands of a decent coach, and watch her blow.

Duru1:
In all ramification of soccer, I should say below average at best.

Your definition of average is suspect. Of her agemates in Africa, Ajibade will be top 3. In the world, she'll be top 20 max. Thats not average in any way.

Our fitness level is not high. We should be holding out U16 boys at this level of preparation. I just hope this coach knows how big the task ahead is.

lakesidepapa:
Is Jorgen the current Assistance to the Chief Coach?

Yes he is. Swedish coach, Swedish first assistance. Maureen Madu is also an assistant coach.

lakesidepapa:
Is that not Courtney Dike at the left side of the instructor? is she in the team or the picture is old?

Its an old picture. Thats also Jorgen Petterson, assistant coach. He is the 'attacking coach'

Schemerkhiz:
The Chidinma Okeke you are talking about is not even a defender.. she is naturally a striker but was reverted to play as a center back by the U20 coach Kurugu.
There are better options at the Center Back position..
Opeyemi Sunday is a right back and she is not up to the Class of Ugo Njoku yet.... she is just 19yrs and can grow Asap.

We have many many upcoming defenders. Natural selection means that players like Sarah Nnodim will come in to replace Onome.

BascoVanVeli:
I am not convinced with the midfield.

If we play 4-3-3, they will do just fine against most teams. Okobi's creativity and Rita Chikwelu's grit is going to be stretched. I really would have loved another midfielder, but my guess is that Rashidat Ajibade might be drafted to offensive midfield role if needed.

Duru1:
Yes I insisted they are too old and have played many matches that induced serious wear and tear. However you missed on the issue of mixing the old and youth at the same time. Again, if I am the coach of the Falcons, Chidinma Okeke, Emenayo, Ogbonna or Nnodim should be in the mix of my back four at a time not all times. I shall not be lured into sleep with tired legs.

We're talking about AWCON here sir. That defence is by far the best coming to AWCON. Look at the other countries and you will see leggy defenders. Age is not a measure of pace for defenders. Ability to read a game is key. The AWCON is not known for rapid attackers who play quick European football. These our defenders will mostly have to deal with players in front of them, not ones running behind them. Even if they do make those runs, its only a case of sitting back a bit.
BTW, the ladies in camp yet to be fully kitted. Typical NFF neglect.

Schemerkhiz:
All the defenders Listed are regular starters in their Club side.....
Faith Ikidi plays 90minutes for her Swedish club and she is their key defender.
Osinachi Ohale is the strongest their, she is tough, fast and the most difficult to get past.
Ebi is not very much Athletic again but she uses her Experience well in playing her position and she is still strong and good in the Air., She is a good marker.
Ebere is currently our Best Left Back, filled with overlapping run and can deliver some diffence splitting crosses... She can also score directly from the Corner kick and Free kick spot..
she does her diffensive duties well...

Defences win tournaments, strikers win matches. We have both good strikers and defenders. We are looking good

COZA pastor wont want that belly anymore. Mr. Robust reply is balling higher now.

Our group just got tougher. We MUST beat South Africa now. I think bringing back Equatorial Guinea in is really going to affect South Africa. Our group is going to be tough!!

Duru1:
Back four are too old and represent a recipe for disaster. If I am the coach, Chidinma Okeke, Emenayo, Ogbonna or Nnodim should be in the mix of my back four at a time.

Generally, defenders get better with age.

isan:
my starting 11 against south africa

I will start Amarachi Okonkwo ahead of Halimatu Ayinde, just to be cautious. Also change positions of Ohale with Ebere. The team picks itself. Strong team, strong bench.

isan:
this is Zambia women national team striker is he/she Zambia bobrisky ? i heard Zimbabwe already reported Zambia to caf in the qualifier

Until medically proven otherwise, I think she deserves the right to dignity. She apparently scored a 2nd half hattrick against Ghana in a friendly few days ago.

Nigerians Nigerians. Keep putting down your own army because Cameroonian army will help us in the days of need. These men sacrifice their lives, some leave families for years without seeing them. What do they get in return, childish, irresponsible, demoralizing comparisons.

I support Nigerian Army 100% any day, any time. They may not be the best, but they're trying their best. It is we Nigerians that make things harder for them.

BascoVanVeli:
Both Sunday's also

I think I was expecting that. The pattern is quite clear from this team. The boss wants agility, which is what will expose lesser teams with poor fitness.

Schemerkhiz:
THE 23 FALCONS FOR ABIDJAN

Goalkeepers: Tochukwu Oluehi (Rivers Angels); Christy Ohiaeriaku (Confluence Queens); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Rivers Angels)

Defenders: Glory Ogbonna (Ibom Angels); Ugochi Emenayo (Nasarawa Amazons); Sarah Nnodim (Nasarawa Amazons); Ngozi Ebere (Barcelona FC, Cyprus); Faith Michael (Pitea IF, Sweden); Onome Ebi (Henan Huisanhang, China); Osinachi Ohale (Vaxjo DFF, Sweden); Josephine Chukwunonye (Asarum AIF, Sweden)

Midfielders: Amarachi Okoronkwo (Nasarawa Amazons); Ngozi Okobi (Eskiltuna UTD, Sweden); Rita Chikwelu (Krstianstand DFF, Sweden); Halimat Ayinde (Asarum AIF, Sweden); Ogonna Chukwudi (Krstianstand DFF, Sweden)

Forwards: Anam Imo (Nasarawa Amazons); Rasheedat Ajibade (FC Robo Queens); Asisat Oshoala (Dalian Quanjian, China); Francisca Ordega (Washington Spirit, USA); Desire Oparanozie (En Avant Guingamp, France); Chinaza Uchendu (SC Braga, Portugal); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Biik Kazygurt, Kazakhstan)

Osas Igbinovia and Chioma Wogu are big name misses. The others are expected. I'm praying we play Algeria or even Mali before the AWCON starts.

BascoVanVeli:
I wish we could get Dangote or somebody to bankroll a Cup for the Super Falcons. Invite top teams like USA, Japan, Brazil and Germany.

I think this coach will get us invites in competitions like She-believes cup, Cyprus cup, etc. NFF is quite useless in dropping money when its time for female football, but are quick to claim glory.

Full house now. 13 foreign based players and 15 home based players. 5 players to be dropped.
My final 23 is:
Goalies: Tochukwu Oluehi (Rivers Angels); Christy Ohiaeriaku (Confluence Queens); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Rivers Angels).

Defenders: Glory Ogbonna (Ibom Angels); Ugochi Emenayo (Nasarawa Amazons); Sarah Nnodim (Nasarawa Amazons); Ngozi Ebere (Barcelona FC, Cyprus); Faith Michael (Pitea IF, Sweden); Onome Ebi (Henan Huisanhang, China); Osinachi Ohale (Vaxjo DFF, Sweden); Josephine Chukwunonye (Asarum AIF, Sweden)

Midfielders: Osarenoma Igbinovia (Bayelsa Queens); Amarachi Okoronkwo (Nasarawa Amazons); Ngozi Okobi (Eskiltuna UTD, Sweden); Rita Chikwelu (Krstianstand DFF, Sweden); Halimat Ayinde (Asarum AIF, Sweden); Ogonna Chukwudi (Krstianstand DFF, Sweden)

Strikers: Chioma Wogu (Rivers Angels); Rasheedat Ajibade (FC Robo Queens); Asisat Oshoala (Dalian Quanjian, China); Francisca Ordega (Washington Spirit, USA); Desire Oparanozie (En Avant Guingamp, France); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Biik Kazygurt, Kazakhstan)

Danielnino00:
The Zambians are quite good.. but I don't see them finishing second.
not when there's south Africa....

If we win our 3 matches, then zambia vs RSA is key. If they draw and Zambia beat Kenya by a bigger margin, then its possible.

Danielnino00:
**Opponent watch**"


Our AWCON group B opponent Zambia beat Ghana 3-2 in a friendly in Zambia ..


Modified...

Zambia also beat Cameroon recently in the COsafa cup ... They seem good...

Dennerby and his girls must be wary of every team they face at the awcon... Women football in Africa is gradualism getting better..

I have a feeling this Awcon would b the toughest ever for us..

I expected Zambia to do well. I predicted that they will be 2nd in the group behind Nigeria. They're quite tough, but for now, Nigeria is well above the other teams.

Rita Chikwelu is a very very disciplined professional. I will give her a national award if she captains the team to another AWCON cup.
Schemerkhiz do you know when the Yankee based girls and Chinese ones will go to Epe.
Just on the face, the girls are looking quite fit. Early days, but the coach has no complaints.

lakesidepapa:
Why are they not on the same training track?

I think fitness levels will be different. Those coming from Europe will obviously be fitter. For example, Chikwelu has played over 20 top games this season. Our local based players are going to need a bit more work to reach that fitness level.
Hopefully the friendly game today will show the fitness level of the ladies. They're playing an amateur men team.
From next week, it should be about 27 players left in camp (maximum), and training will be more intense. Their camp facility is actually really good.