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WAFU Cup: 10 Home based Super Falcons Players Will Make Pre-World Cup Squad, Says Dennerby

By Niyi Busari

Super Falcons head coach, Thomas Dennerby has said that his target at the WAFU Cup slated for Ivory Coast is to put the home based players in good shape so that he will be able to pick at least 7 or at most 10 players for the final camp ahead world cup in France, BSNSports.com.ng can report.

Dennerby who made this statement on Sunday at the Area 3 Play Ground during the 2019 FCT FA Cup finals added that winning the title in Cote d’Ivoire is not the main target at the competition but to fix the home based players ahead of the world cup in France.



The former Sweden women national team coach stated that 26 players are already in camp.

“26 players resumed camp on Sunday and the target for the WAFU is first of all and the most important is to really secure that domestic players are in good form for the final camp because you know that 7 to 10 players among the home based will be going into camp for the fiance preparation for the world cup. Although, winning the WAFU will be a plus for the team.” He told www.bsnsports.com.ng

He admitted that FCT is blessed with good and talented omen footballers but says it is very difficult and unfair to invite players to the national camp based one match.

“Honestly, to pick a player for the national team when you see them once is not fair because it is a final and when you play final. Player can have good performance and sometimes player can be nervous and perform below expectation. So, you need to see a player play mire than one time to conclude on whether to be invited to the national team. But of course there were a lot of good players here today who are good enough to be in the national team.

Eskilstuna United

Strong season start of versatile Ayinde

A 23-year-old from Nigeria has, after just two matches, already proved to be a strong addition to this year's Eskilstuna United.

- I've got a good start but can't say I'm satisfied. To be that, I also want to contribute to goals, says Halimatu Ayinde.

We start by sorting out the name. Halimatu is the first name and the Ayinde surname - in Nigeria, however, you write the family name first and therefore you can very well see it in reverse order if, for example, you search online.

Tell us a little bit about your background?

- I come from the western parts of Nigeria and are part of a large family with six boys and two girls. My dad is a retired military.

That there was football for Halimatu Ayinde there was never any doubt.

- I loved the sport already from childhood and still feel great passion for football. Unfortunately, the interest in the home country is not very great for the ladies who play, all the focus is on the gentlemen there.

Against Rosengård in the premiere, the midfielder was extremely close to becoming a scorer. Her shot on Julia Tunturi's post went into the bottom of the rib and then bounced right at the finish line but the ball was not considered to have been inside.

Last against Gothenburg, Halimatu Ayinde showed her defensive skills when she changed her edge after the break and effectively slowed down the dangerous Elin Rubensson's race.

- I have completely different roles in the national team compared to in Eskilstuna. When I represent Nigeria I am defensive midfielder and here I have been left or right. But I am versatile and have no favorite position but thrive everywhere and play where I needed.

She describes her greatest strength as the desire to work hard for the team and thus thinks she has got a good start in her new club without being completely satisfied.

The summer World Cup is of course also in the mind look as tight and there Halimatu Ayinde's goal is clear.

- It is that we should move on from the group stage.

Before that the championship starts, a number of matches with Eskilstuna will be cut and the closest task is Växjö at home on Sunday. Still to see which or which roles the Nigerian star gets in that match.

To conclude this interview, of course, just as we did with Fanny Andersson, find out more about who Halimatu Ayinde is beside the plan.

We do this through Five football-free questions:

1. What do you like most about living in Sweden?

- That it is a quiet and peaceful country where everyone is welcomed and accepted as long as one does not do anything criminal. I love Sweden!

2. If you have met with friends, do you appear first, last or somewhere in the middle?

- I'm usually the one who comes last ...

3. If you had to be an animal for a day, which would you choose?

- A dragon, because it symbolizes wisdom and strength.

4. What is your favorite movie and why did you like it so much?

- I like The good, the evil, the ugly for the reason that the film teaches that one should not trust anyone other than himself.

5. Say a personal trait you are proud of and one you are less proud of?

- I am proud that I am so ambitious but do not like that I care a lot about some people who do not care about me...

The Swedish outfit has secured the services of the 18-year-old from Nigeria's domestic side Nasarawa Amazons
Swedish Elitettan side Assi IF has captured
Nigeria midfielder Christy Ucheibe from Nasarawa Amazons on a one-year contract.
The 18-year-old impressed at the 2018 Fifa U20 Women's World Cup in France , even though Nigeria failed to go past the quarter-final stage.
She was also in fine form for her Lafia-based outfit as they finished as the second best team in the 2018 Nigeria Women's Premier League season.
Having passed her medical and unveiled on Tuesday, Ucheibe was handed the team's jersey number 17 for their campaign in the Second Division this season.

Upon her move to Europe, she becomes the third Nigeria U20 player at France 2018 to move abroad after Anam Imo and Rasheedat Ajibade.
Following her first professional career switch from Nigeria, the youngster will hope to help her side secure topflight promotion this term.
Ucheibe has immediately begun training with the Elitettan's side on Tuesday evening, and she is expected to earn her debut against Mallbacken on Monday.
Assi are placed seventh on the Swedish second division log with a point from their opening game and will host Mallbacken at the BillerudKorsnäs Arena. Nigeria midfielder Christy Ucheibe joins Swedish Elitettan side Assi IF

Why Dennerby Made Desire Oparanozie Super Falcons Captain
14/04/2019, by Best Choice Sports, in FIFA, News

Super Falcons coach Thomas Dennerby has explained why he had to choose France-based forward Desire Oparanizie to lead the team to France at the World Cup later this year.

Oparanozie got the nod to captain the team after Monday’s international friendly against Canada in Spain which newsmen gather may not go down well with the top guns at the Nigeria Football Federation who wanted Onome Ebi.

Oparanozie got Nigeria’s goal in the first half of the game after profiting from a brilliant pass from Uchenna Kalu.
In an interview, Dennerby stated that he arrived at the conclusion of choosing his captain base on the value the individual placed on her self.

”Oparanozie is disciplined and has good character, she is young and has a longer playing span in the team,” Dennerby said.

The captainship was a controversy at the Awcon finals in Ghana where the team won it. There was a risen dust as to who to lift the trophy between two veterans Rita Chikwelu and Onome Ebi.

Super Falcons with more to do in Dennerby’s new formation
Fisayo DairoFisayo Dairo April 12, 2019Blogs.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons were in the beautiful service city of Murcia in Spain in the past week where they continued their unprecedented preparation towards this summer’s Women’s World Cup in France. During their stay, Thomas Dennerby’s team attempted to showcase what work the Swede has done in the past months especially the new formation he has introduced them to.

World Number 5 Canada were the Falcons’s friendly foes on Monday at the Pinatar Arena and although the record African champions suffered a 1-2 loss, a remarkable progress was visible as compared to the team’s first major game under the Swede, an 8-0 friendly loss to France just over a year ago.

As would be understood by betting folks, the Falcons, courtesy of Desire Oparanozie’s goal even won a half against a Canadian side yet to lose in 2019 and who turned the game around with a couple of substitutions at half time.

The manner of the goals scored by Canada though is one of key areas where the Falcons must do more in their new look 352 formations if they hope to upturn the bookmakers’ odds in June.

Dennerby earning his pay

Talking of improvements, the most notable aspect of the team’s play – the passing – has greatly improved. I’ve been a keen follower of the women’s national team since 1998 and without any fear to say this; Falcons’ passing and buildup play from the rear on Monday was the best I’ve seen the side in at least nine years – since the 2010 AWCON.

How virtually the same set of players who used to hurriedly get the ball out of around their penalty area regardless of where it lands now have the confidence and mentality to pass around and build slowly is quite fascinating to me and with deserved credit to the expatriate coach.

Passing is an essential ingredient in the game and any team that gets their passing right would have at least solved a fundamental problem which was evident in that game against France as I highlighted in number five of the takeaways from that game.

The team’s switch to a “3-woman” defence since the turn of the year is also noteworthy. It didn’t start quite well in China as they were thumped 4-1 by the Chinese Ladies but they have slowly adapted to the new life which I believe can be a way to surprise the world in France. There is still a lot more to do to get close to perfection of the new formation – which is the main essence of this article – but the initiative on its own has been a productive one for the team.



Falcons’ 352 and present imperfections

I am a big fan of the 352 formation being used by an underdog side. I was one of those that believed Nigeria could have stood a better chance against Croatia at last year’s Men’s World Cup with the 352 they later reverted to against Iceland and Argentina, to great effect too.

Dennerby’s new formation, to a large extent shows that he now knows and understands his players’ abilities better and he also believes they can shock the world in France. I thought they coped well especially in the first half against Canada (with the shape in the picture above) and it showed that they can repeat same against any opposition in the world.

However, I noticed a number of imperfections in the shape that can and must be worked upon:

1. Right wing back Anam Imo playing too up the pitch

For a team that would mostly be the underdogs, you cannot afford your right wing back playing the way Anam Imo did especially in the second half. I felt she played far too up the pitch and this is capable of exposing the back three. Right centre back Osinachi Ohale was arguably Nigeria’s best player on the day and if not for her speed and bravery, Anam’s positioning could’ve caused a great deal of problem for the team.

To put it into proper perspective, Anam is a natural forward and has been playing as a right winger in the Falcons since that 8-0 loss against France but she must be aware that as a wingback now, a 352 should change to 532 when defending. Her overall ball play on the day impressed me though.

2. Ngozi Ebere beside Onome Ebi could be disastrous

Both goals conceded by Nigeria early in the second half came through crosses from Canada’s right flank (Nigeria’s left). That is the area which team captain Ebi plays as left centre back while Ebere who had a stellar AWCON tournament last year played as left wing back.

While Ebere stayed deeper and in position than Anam Imo (as mentioned earlier), her defending was not up to scratch on the day, especially whenever she went into attack. Also, having the oldest member of the squad beside Ebere meant there would be a late catch-up on the balls that bypassed the left wing back. Ebere is absolutely delightful on the ball but her impressive ball work would not benefit the team in the long run if the defensive aspect is as poor as it was on Monday.

Why not Faith Ikidi at left centre back?

I understand that Onome Ebi (a natural right footer)’s good command of both feet could have influenced the decision to play her as left centre back but she will be 36 next month, which means she may not be able to cope (as seen on Monday) with the torrents on the flanks.

Looking further at Ebi’s characteristics, she is the only member of the back three that is gifted and also loves to exhibit her long range of passes, something that easily makes her a good fit for the centre of the back three.

Ikidi who played at the centre against Canada is a natural right back who is also comfortable playing at left back. That to me makes her fitter to play at the Left centre back (LCB) than Onome. Ikidi also loves to take risks such as shielding her ball or dribbling her opponent (as also seen on Monday), something you don’t want the player at your centre to be doing.

With the benefit of hindsight, Ebi could perhaps have won the aerial duel Ikidi lost prior to Canada’s first goal while Ikidi could have done better in closing down the crosses from the right flank.

3. Pressing the opposition

Another function of the modern game which Dennerby seem to have added to the Falcons game is the pressing of the opponents even if it’s still half-hearted. No team can press for the entire ninety minutes in a game but whenever you do, you must do it well.

It was great to see Uchenna Kanu (the first time I’d watch her since the 2014 Under-17 World Cup) but all her productive energy wasted away with her alone trying to press the opponents while Oparanozie also did her own lap. It never brings results, rather weakens the individuals. So, the team must work more on the time and strategy of pressing the opponents as that can also be an integral way of turning over possession in their favour.

4. Set-pieces, crosses, who would deliver Nigeria

From time immemorial, defending set-pieces has always been rocket science for Nigerian teams. From the men’s teams to the women’s teams, this inadequacy has always been portrayed at the global stage. Even Pia Sundhage’s Sweden exploited same when he faced Nigeria at the 2015 Women’s World Cup.

The Canadians troubled the Falcons with each of their corner kicks and crosses on Monday. Each set-play delivery met the Nigerians with an air of uncertainty inside the penalty box, not knowing who to stay with whom or who should deal with the ball. The set-pieces can be a soft target for any of the Falcons’ opposition in France if more resources is not committed into it.

The rest…..

Nigeria played Monday’s friendly without two of their prized attackers – Francisca Ordega and Asisat Oshoala. While that gives the team’s fans some more confidence in the team’s attack, the coach will also grow more grey hairs with the displays of Oparanozie, Kanu and Ini Umotong on how to fit in his indispensable duo.

Another player whose few touches came suggested something interesting was Chinaza Uchendu, a late introduction for Oparanozie. She occupied the role behind the two forwards and showed why she can be a worthy second half outlet whenever Ngozi Okobi is done for the day.

The game against Canada was a great test for what Dennerby has done and is doing and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) can only do better to get them at least one, or two of such friendly games before the tournament starts on June 7, 2019..

Rosengård signs 18 yo Nigerian international Anam Imo. Imo was recently named Nigerian league MVP and Nigeria's best young player. Rosengård's Sjögran calls her a huge talent, but not yet a starter.

I think the Superfalcons tried a bit playing without Asisat Oshoala and Fransisca Ordega upfront...

with this two there would have been a different story due to their experience, energy and pace...
Uchenna Kanu seems to be on top form... starting 2games already..

The Super Falcons of Nigeria were beaten 2-1 by the fifth best team in the FIFA rankings, Canada at the Pinatar Arena in a pre-World Cup friendly on Monday afternoon.
Manager Thomas Dennerby was missing the services of talented Spanish based duo, Sevilla's Antoinette Payne and Barcelona's Asisat Oshoala for the high-profile game but it was the Nigerian Ladies that made a quick start in Murcia.
Three minutes after Rita Chikwelu was denied by opposition goalkeeper Erin McLeod, striker Desire Oparanozie put Nigeria into the lead with a superb finish after Uchenna Kana had teed her up in the 26th minute.
But the Canadians came roaring out of the blocks after the break, Beckie Janine restoring parity in the 48th minute following a corner quick breakaway.
And seven minutes shy of the hour mark, Sophie Schmidt rose highest to plant a terrific header past Tochukwu Oluchi in the Nigerian goal following a cross from Jayde Riviere to complete the turnaround for the European nation.
Kanu nearly grabbed an equaliser for the Falcons after getting onto the end of a pass from Ngozi Ebere but her effort failed to trouble McLeod.
Nigeria Starting XI Vs Canada : Oluehi, Ohale, Michael, Ebere, Ebi, Imo, Ayinde, Chikwelu, Okobi, Kanu, Oparanozie

Good news for Superfalcons player's
Anam Imo join Swedish giant Rosengard FC on a 2years deal.
Chinwendu Veronica Ihezuo join Onome Ebi club Henan Huishang in China.....

Onome Ebi recently joined the Superfalcons in Spain while Ihezuo was Left out of the Squad to settle down at her new club.

naijaseeker:
Ngozi Okobi’s form may probably be the most influential factor for Falcons in France. No doubt there are bigger and more flamboyant names. There is Oshoala, Franny, Oparanozie, even Rashidat Ajibade who is the toast of local journalists. There is Onome who has stayed in the team most and Chikwelu who captains, however, Okobi still remains the key.

These players are really good, nobody can deny Oshoala’s strength and speed, Oparanozie’s capacity to pinpoint targets with one shot, Ordega’s intelligience and placement or Ebi’s confidence but why Okobi?

Okobi is the real creative player in the team. It comes to a time when every plan has being read and checked and that’s why you need impulsive creators. They are really rare in football, probably because the capacity either does not grow by practice or by a rare type of practice. It seems if you have it, you have it. The last Falcons player I can remember with such competence is Perpetual Nkwocha who was bigger, stronger and to me, more professional. Okobi seems a happy person who will not necessarily push herself over the bridge.

However, she has the magic and her physical form will so much be important. Against SA last year, she was the person who gave Ordega the shocking pass out of the blues for Ordega to be brought down for a penalty. Or how she single handed routed the Swedish defence in 2015 to set up Ordega and Oshoala for the equalizers while also scoring. Against Cameroun in 2016, pressed to the ground, she manufactured a pass to Oparanozie for the winning goal.

Ihezuo tries a bit to play similarly and Ajibade also but clearly, either they have not reached her level or her system is not exactly like theirs. She can cut right into the middle of defenders, and dislodge them. Kgatlana is a bit similar but she predominantly depends more on speed than creativity.

Therefore at the world cup, for the average play according to instructions, we may not notice her impact and pray for this. However against a team when all instructions are gone and creativity is needed, then her form and presence becomes inevitable .

Okobi remain the most skillful player in the Superfalcons current details....Her football Sense is at another level.

olapluto:
They probably didnt have a keeper or the keeper got injured. Anyways, it is good for Alaba. Maybe they can sign her.

Canada may be good for England, but I think we're at par in terms of quality of team. England is not so good btw. Also, we've always beaten Canada everytime we meet.

our game against the Canadian sides is always an open game for the most clinical side to win... although we don't have two of our dangerous striker's upfront...
Uchenna Kanu, Courtney Dike should prove all doubters wrong

Super Falcons get two additional foreign coaches

By Editor

05 April 2019  

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday announced that it has approved two additional foreign coaches for the Super Falcons, saying it is part of the efforts to ensure adequate preparations for the team ahead of the Eighth FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in France.

The coaches are Per Harlsson, who is now the team’s conditioning coach, and Matti Demegard, who will work as video analyst for the nine–time African champions before and during the World Cup finals.

The federation said both were recommended by Head Coach Thomas Dennerby.

These additions come on the back of two preparatory tournaments in China and Cyprus, an ongoing one in Spain, scheduled participation in the WAFU B Tournament and final camping programme in the world –renown Avita Resort in Austria, making the Class of 2019 perhaps the most –prepared Super Falcons for any FIFA World Cup finals since the competition was launched 28 years ago.

Explaining the relevance of the new staff to the team, Dennerby said: “The analyst collects clips on players, processes them and the players can come to the analyst a day after the game to see the different situations they were into. We also do it on team base so that we can see defending line, midfield, build up play, finishing and so on. This is very important for the education of the players and technical understanding.

“Then we have the conditioning coach who is building the endurance of players as well as speed muscles. His role is to help our players to get quicker and better stamina.

He is also a really important part of the team.”

Falcons will play Icelandic top division side, UMF Selfoss today before facing Canada Women National Team on Monday.

Ahead France 2019: Super Falcons in Spain for two games
A delegation of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, including 24 players, has fully settled down in Spain as the African champions continue their preparations for the 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Spain this summer. A number of the players left on Monday night while the rest of the delegation departed Nigeria on Tuesday. Having already taken in two matches at the China Tournament in Meizhou in January and four matches at the Cyprus Women’s Cup in February, the Falcons will play two matches in Spain, including a high-profile clash with the Canada Women National Team. They first play a first division club, UMF Selfoss on Thursday, 4th April, before the potentially –explosive encounter with the Canadians on Monday, 8th April. The matches will hold in the city of Murcia. After their exploits in Spain, the nine –time African champions will prepare to take part in the eight –nation WAFU B Women’s Tournament in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire in May. Organizers announced on Tuesday that the tournament will hold 8th -18th May in the Ivorian capital, with the senior women teams of hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, Togo, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic taking part. The draw ceremony for the WAFU B Tournament has been scheduled for Tuesday, 16th April. After the WAFU Cup tourney, the Super Falcons will move to the Avita Resort in Bad Tatzmannsdorf in Austria – the same facility that hosted the Super Eagles ahead of their flight to Russia for the FIFA World Cup finals last year summer. From Austria, the Falcons will fly into France, where they take on Norway, Korea Republic and tournament hosts France in the group stage of the 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, holding 7th June – 7th July. 24 SUPER FALCONS IN SPAIN

Goalkeepers : Tochukwu Oluehi; Alaba Jonathan; Chiamaka Nnadozie

Defenders: Faith Michael; Onome Ebi; Osinachi Ohale; Josephine Chukwunonye; Ngozi Ebere; Patricia George

Midfielders: Ngozi Okobi; Rita Chikwelu; Halimatu Ayinde; Cecilia Nku; Ogonna Chukwudi

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala; Rasheedat Ajibade; Anam Imo; Chinaza Uchendu; Courtney Dike; Desire Oparanozie; Ini-Abasi Umotong; Alice Ogebe; Antionette Oyedupe Payne; Uchenna Kanu

SuperEagles Coach, Gernot Rohr was a surprise guest at the Superfalcons training this morning #SoarSuperFalcons

Dennerby Identifies Two Strengths, Three Weaknesses Of Super Falcons Heading Into The World Cup
Published: March 29, 2019
Super Falcons manager Thomas Dennerby has identified three flaws in the team heading into this summer's Fifa Women's World Cup in France after admitting that he does not like the fact that the players find it difficult to create scoring chances, defend set-pieces and there are concerns about their build-up play.
Assessing the Super Falcons' strengths, the Swede praised their defensive play and ability to launch quick counter attacks.
''If I look at the team and the games we've played already this year, we still defend very good. It is hard to create scoring chances from that point of view,'' said Dennerby.
''We still have some work to do when we defend on set pieces and we are very good on quick counter attacks but we need to work a little bit on build-up play and trying to create chances also from passing all over the field - from defenders to midfielders to forwards - to really send quality passes to forwards to go for finishing.
''I think we have time and there's still a few more games before the World Cup starts.
''We can have a good team, the preparation is nothing to complain about, it's really good and we have time.''
The Super Falcons will face Canada in a pre-World Cup friendly on April 8 and have also lined up a friendly with an unnamed club from Iceland next month.

Super Falcons Vs Canada Friendly Good Preparation For World Cup – Dennerby

By Schemerkhiz

Super Falcons coach Thomas Dennerby has said he is looking forward to the big challenge Canada will offer his team in a friendly next month in Spain.

The nine-time African champions will take on Canada on April 8 as well as a club from Iceland as part of their build-up to the Women’s World Cup in France.

“Canada will be a really good challenge for us because they are in the top-five teams in the world,” Dennerby said.

The Falcons, who have already featured in invitational tournaments in China and Cyprus, will also set up a training camp in Austria leading up to the World Cup.

It is the same camp the Super Eagles used prior to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Falcons are drawn against hosts France, Norway and Korea at the 2019 World Cup in June.

BascoVanVeli:
I have to admit that Okobi has been underwhelming. I would have to select Ordega as my best playmaker, she has been the most consistent in finding solutions for the team. I believe she can play behind the striker and do way more than she has done so far.

Just Last week here Desire Oparanozie remembered Okobi on Instagram of her terrific form in 2016 AWCON...
All Okobi could reply was that she needs that Form back...... She knows she's not at her Best.

BascoVanVeli:
I have to admit that Okobi has been underwhelming. I would have to select Ordega as my best playmaker, she has been the most consistent in finding solutions for the team. I believe she can play behind the striker and do way more than she has done so far.

Ordega has been consistent with her top performance but will always tell you that Ngozi Sonia Okobi remain the Best playmaker we have... check out her U17, U20 performance and 2014 to 2016 you will see the difference.. The Truth is that she has lost a lot of Form and really need to recover as soon as possible... He defense splitting passes remains one of Superfalcons most dangerous weapon.

Dennerby Assures Best Legs Will Make Super Falcons World Cup Squad
 0 March 21, 2019 9:46 pm

Super Falcons’s Head Coach Thomas Dennerby says that the team will go to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in France with the best legs available.
Dennerby who is delighted with the maximum support of the Nigeria Football Federation for his entire programme ahead of the World Cup, insists that in order to select the best players, there is need to give as many good players as possible the opportunity to show what they can do.
“We have different targets, of course. The first target is to find really good players that will be in the first list that we will send to FIFA. We have to be very sure we have the right players,” Dennerby told NFF. com.
“It’s very important that you are one hundred per cent sure that you have picked the ones that you really want. Also, we have a camp in Spain at the beginning of April where we will play the Canada Women National team and it is very important that some of the players in this camp come to Spain.”
Dennerby, who led the domestic players to third place finish in the maiden edition of the Women’s WAFU Cup tournament in 2018, notes that some of the players will leave the team eventually and the domestic camp offers opportunity to know who has the ability.
“Soon, we probably need to change some of the players in the national team, and when the time comes we have to know who is best suitable. There is a lot of good reason for having the domestic camp.”

The Nigeria Football Federation has availed the Super Falcons with the opportunity of playing six games so far this year in preparation for the FIFA World Cup in France.
Speaking on the team’s preparation so far, Dennerby insists the team has been getting better with every game, expressing hope that they will have a good performance at the World Cup.
“If you look at the first game we played this year in China against the Chinese Women National team, we had a good first half but the players became tired in the second half and I know the reason for that,” he added.
“However, having observed that Romanian defenders were slow from their first game, we tried to supply our attackers faster in the second game and won 4-1.
“Coming to Cyprus, with the good quality of the opponents we showed some improvement from the first tournament. We were unlucky in the first game against Austria with a player (goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi) picking a red card in the 6th minute.
“We played with only ten players for 84 minutes but we really did well in the game. The girls showed a lot of good attitude. But the good thing is that we got two wins in Cyprus and the girls showed strong attitude, they were quick, nice running, hardworking, good decision –making and all these are necessary to boost their confidence.”

By Adeboye Amosu

According to International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) the world Best Women playmaker in 2018 is Dzenifer Marozsan of Germany.
Who is Superfalcons playmaker of the year!..
Give your reason please!

DerideGull:
This midfield without the enforcer Charity Ucheibe is not a growing sign. In addition, why should the coach include Folashade Ijamilusi as forward when she is, in fact, a consummate midfielder? One of the best tracking midfielders in Nigeria.

Christy Ucheibe had a serious injury last year during training before the AWCON in Ghana.. I don't really know if she's back fully...
As for Folashade Florence Ijamilusi, She is a Born versatile Midfielder, her name might appear as an attacker but will surely be used as a Midfielder..
Even Rivers Angels Striker Cynthia Aku and Osun Babes Anjor Mary name's appears as a Midfielder but they're striker's.

mostob:
when is the WAFU tournament pls

8th to 18th of May

Schemerkhiz:
Mon. Mar 18th, 2019.

DiegwuSports

HOME2019MARCH18FRANCE 2019: DENNERBY CALLS 30 HOME GIRLS TO CAMP
Super Falcons
France 2019: Dennerby calls 30 home girls to camp
1 hour ago Diegwusports
Head Coach Thomas Dennerby has called to camp 30 home –based professionals for a preliminary camp of the Super Falcons as preparations for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals enter a new gear.



Head Coach Thomas Dennerby has called to camp 30 home –based professionals for a preliminary camp of the Super Falcons as preparations for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals enter a new gear.

Goalkeepers Tochukwu Oluehi, Chiamaka Nnadozie and Christy Ohiaeriaku all make the list, as well as defenders Glory Ogbonna and Josephine Chukwunonye, midfielders Cecilia Nkwu, Amarachi Okoronkwo and Osarenoma Igbinovia, and forwards Alice Ogebe and Anam Imo.



However, goalkeeper Alaba Jonathan, defender Ugochi Emenayo, midfielder Evelyn Nwabuoku and forward Chioma Wogu return to the fold.

The nine –time African champions, who have been to tournaments in China and Cyprus as part of preparations for the big global fiesta in France, playing six matches in all, are scheduled to play two matches in Spain in the first week of April to further put themselves in shape for the finals.

30 HOME BASED PROFESSIONALS IN FALCONS CAMP

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

Defenders: Glory Ogbonna (Ibom Angels); Ugochi Emenayo (Nasarawa Amazons); Ugo Njoku (Rivers Angels); Sarah Nnodim (Nasarawa Amazons); Mabel Effiong (Rivers Angels) Ayomide Ojo (Police College, Lagos); Josephine Chukwunonye; Mary Ologbosere (Rivers Angels)



Midfielders: Mary Anjor (Osun Babes); Peace Efih (Edo Queens); Osarenoma Igbinovia (Bayelsa Queens); Amarachi Okoronkwo (Nasarawa Amazons); Cynthia Aku (Rivers Angels); Cecilia Nku (Rivers Angels); Adebisi Saheed (Bayelsa Queens); Evelyn Nwabuoku (Rivers Angels); Joy Bokiri (Bayelsa Queens); Rejoice Ikoyo (Bayelsa Queens)

Forwards: Chidinma Okeke (FC Robo); Alice Ogebe (Rivers Angels); Joy Jerry (Bayelsa Queens); Esther Sunday; Folashade Ijamilusi (FC Robo); Rofiat Sule (Rivers Angels); Anam Imo (Nasarawa Amazons); Chioma Wogu (Bayelsa Queens)


Diegwusports
See author's posts.

The Midfield seems to have quality player's,. Four experience Midfielder ( Evelyn Nwabuoku, Cecilia Nku, Amarachi Okoronkwo, Osarenoma Igbinovia) and youthful blood like Joy Bokiri and Peace Efih should do well at the WAFU Cup and also give the trio of Chikwelu, Okobi and Ayinde a tough fight for Spot in the final World Cup list..

Mon. Mar 18th, 2019.

DiegwuSports

HOME2019MARCH18FRANCE 2019: DENNERBY CALLS 30 HOME GIRLS TO CAMP
Super Falcons
France 2019: Dennerby calls 30 home girls to camp
1 hour ago Diegwusports
Head Coach Thomas Dennerby has called to camp 30 home –based professionals for a preliminary camp of the Super Falcons as preparations for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals enter a new gear.



Head Coach Thomas Dennerby has called to camp 30 home –based professionals for a preliminary camp of the Super Falcons as preparations for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals enter a new gear.

Goalkeepers Tochukwu Oluehi, Chiamaka Nnadozie and Christy Ohiaeriaku all make the list, as well as defenders Glory Ogbonna and Josephine Chukwunonye, midfielders Cecilia Nkwu, Amarachi Okoronkwo and Osarenoma Igbinovia, and forwards Alice Ogebe and Anam Imo.



However, goalkeeper Alaba Jonathan, defender Ugochi Emenayo, midfielder Evelyn Nwabuoku and forward Chioma Wogu return to the fold.

The nine –time African champions, who have been to tournaments in China and Cyprus as part of preparations for the big global fiesta in France, playing six matches in all, are scheduled to play two matches in Spain in the first week of April to further put themselves in shape for the finals.

30 HOME BASED PROFESSIONALS IN FALCONS CAMP

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

Defenders: Glory Ogbonna (Ibom Angels); Ugochi Emenayo (Nasarawa Amazons); Ugo Njoku (Rivers Angels); Sarah Nnodim (Nasarawa Amazons); Mabel Effiong (Rivers Angels) Ayomide Ojo (Police College, Lagos); Josephine Chukwunonye; Mary Ologbosere (Rivers Angels)



Midfielders: Mary Anjor (Osun Babes); Peace Efih (Edo Queens); Osarenoma Igbinovia (Bayelsa Queens); Amarachi Okoronkwo (Nasarawa Amazons); Cynthia Aku (Rivers Angels); Cecilia Nku (Rivers Angels); Adebisi Saheed (Bayelsa Queens); Evelyn Nwabuoku (Rivers Angels); Joy Bokiri (Bayelsa Queens); Rejoice Ikoyo (Bayelsa Queens)

Forwards: Chidinma Okeke (FC Robo); Alice Ogebe (Rivers Angels); Joy Jerry (Bayelsa Queens); Esther Sunday; Folashade Ijamilusi (FC Robo); Rofiat Sule (Rivers Angels); Anam Imo (Nasarawa Amazons); Chioma Wogu (Bayelsa Queens)


Diegwusports
See author's posts.

isan:
NFF has done well for super falcons this year

They have really tried alot in the preparation aspect...
I think they still have the CANADIAN side to play by May before the World Cup...

Falcons to face Spain in international friendly
 Seyi Alao  0
March 16, 2019 12:52 pm
The Super Falcons will take on Spanish Women National team in a high profile international friendly as part of preparation towards the Women’s World Cup in France.
The Super Falcons who had already engaged in pre World Cup tournaments will clash with the Spaniards between April 2nd and 9th.
The Nigeria Football Federation and it’s Spanish counterparts previously reached an agreement for the game to hold sometime last year, but it was called off due to some other engagements and both Federations now believe the time is right for it to hold.
The Falcons will be going into the game, having competed in the invitation tour of Cyprus and China.
Falcons are in Group A of the world cup alongside hosts France, Korea Republic, and Norway, while Spain who are playing in the Women’s for the second time are drawn in Group B with Germany, China, and South Africa.

isan:
our problem in 2015 was inability to defend inside the 18 yard box especially from set pieces u know out 6 goals we conceded in that tournament like 5 was from set pieces had the coach work on that defence with a better keeper we could have gone far

Were you trying to say Precious Dede wasn't a better goalie then...
The problem was the coaches inability to work on the Defense.....

Asisat Oshoala just Scored again Real Socieded in today's game... 18min''

As for Fransisca Ordega she seems to be our strongest weapon upfront with her Pace, strength, skills and experience, ... If she doesn't Score, she will always give the Assist...

My greatest desire right now is for Desire Ugochi Oparanozie to regain her Fitness, She's ahead of Ini Umotong. Her Physicality is Really needed...
Have seen pictures of her club coaches and National team Coaches working on her fitness level...

its noticeable that playing regular international matches has helped them gain experience and grow on the international stage.
I wish NFF can continue this way