₦airaland Forum

National Teams
Thomas Dennerby tips Chindinma Okeke for greatness, hints on her invitation to the Super Falcons
Head coach of the Super Falcons, Thomas Dennerby has tipped Chidinma Okeke as one of the possible prospects that will be part of the senior national team set up when they begin their title defence later this year in the African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON).
Dennerby said there are other players from the Christopher Danjuma’s U20 team who have been part of the Falcons team but rated Okeke as one of the players that played very well for Nigeria in the recently concluded FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in France.
Okeke worked her way through the Falconets side to be the indispensable element of the side in every game at the U20 World Cup in France.
She been hailed by the Swedish tactician who also hinted her likely invitation to the Super Falcons side.
It is not surprising then for the head coach of the Falcons to describe her as an important element to the Falconets squad.
“She is a member of the Falconets squad that played so well at the U20 World Cup. She will be invited to the Super Falcons team in preparation for the African Women’s Cup of Nations,” Dennerby told Footballlive.ng.
“Some other members of the Falconets like Glory Ogbonna, Christy Ucheibe and Chiamaka Nnadozie are already part of the Super Falcons team. But Okeke proved herself in France.”
The coach added that Okeke is a great player in the making as her tactical understanding is very sharp to get her to the level she wants to be.
Editor.

BascoVanVeli:
I don't expect anything special from this sexist NFF.

You're right about that Bro! Let's hope for the Best..
maybe since it's a Foreign coach they might give a little support to him.. better still half of the attention they gives to the Supereagles coach Gernet Rhor.

TheSuperNerd:
Pre-Awcon friendlies ‘extremely important’ for Super Falcons - Dennerby
By Samuel Ahmadu, Correspondent


The Swedish tactician is hoping for a quality preparations for this year’s women championship and he wants some warm-up games for his side

Nigeria senior women’s coach Thomas Dennerby says playing international friendlies are ‘extremely important’ for his ladies ahead of this year’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.
The 59-year-old led the Super Falcons to a third-place finish at the WAFU Cup in February before steering them to qualify for the 11th edition, having thrashed Gambia 7-0 on aggregate in June.
And for the eight-nation tournament, the Swedish tactician is proposing some warm-up games in the bid to ensure his team are in competitive shape to defend the title they won two years ago.

“It is time to sort out everything about our camps in preparation for the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in November,” Dennerby told reporters in Abuja on Monday.
“I have a schedule for the team [Nigeria]. Now is the time to seal agreements with other countries worldwide for the FIFA international windows. It is extremely important for us to have friendlies. Now it is two open windows - first starts on August 27 to September 4 and next is October 1-9.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t use the window that opened today because of the issues recently. From September 4, we will know [seven] teams that will qualify for the World Cup in Europe. But we still have another window from November 3.
“We have opportunities to have long camp now before the Nations Cup and that’s the biggest reason why we must try to sort out the camping arrangements for the team now. I’ve been talking to a lot of the teams and they are interested in playing us.
“We have a lot of teams to play but I don’t have the final say on this than to present my suggestions. This is why I am here to discuss with the NFF secretary general, the technical department and board members too.”

He further expressed concerns about the team’s poor show at Cameroon 2016 despite the nation’s success, stressing that only better preparations will prevent Nigeria from recording the worse.


“I saw all the [Nigeria] games at the last Africa Cup of Nations. We played 1-1 against Ghana but they were a bit better against us in the group stage. Same situation against South Africa in the semi-final and Cameroon in the final,” he continued.
“Though we won those matches, I still think our opponents were slightly better. We cannot continue to rely on our previous success when the game is evolving. We need to acknowledge the fact that other teams are fighting hard to catch up with us and must not leave anything to chance.
“Even If we’ve won the tournament ten times, it really doesn’t matter as no tournament is the same. It won’t be a good thing if we fail to qualify for the World Cup. The most important thing now is to start camping and play friendlies in other not to have the regrets of not preparing enough.”


Source: Goal

NFF should give him and the Team the maximum Support....

BascoVanVeli:
Why are French women so poor in tournaments? They have very good teams each time but they always fall short.

it has become their tradition!

Daejoyoung:
l think it was Faith lkidi who was exposed at left back.

Faith ikidi enjoys playing in the central defence but can also play as a Fullback when the occasion demands. she is the most versatile defender in the Superfalcon team. she has a nice way of clipping her opponents, Enjoy fantastic rapport with colleagues and has the ability to use both legs effectively, she is experienced and can read the game better.
Her only weakness is her recovery rate as a defender, she is Slow and can easily be outpace by an intelligent winger.

Duru1:
You were correct on the jersey #14 however she played as a midfielder in Japan tournament.

Yes she was a defensive midfielder then and one of our best performer in terms of individual position.

Duru1:
Since I started watching Oshoala, she never wore #14 jersey on the national team. Oshoala was a defensive midfielder.

I have been into Women football for Long now.
Let me let tell you Asisat Oshoala wore no 17 at the 2012 African Women championship in Equatorial Guinea were they Finnish 4th. she was 18yrs old then
The likes of Oparanozie and Ordega didn't play in the Competition due to club engagement, They weren't not released.... Go and make research

[quote author=Duru1 post=70523010]Since I started watching Oshoala, she never wore #14 jersey on the national team. Oshoala


1. Asisat Oshoala wore no9 against Japan in a 2leg internationals Friendly game against Japan in 2012 while playing for the Superfalcons...
2. She wore no 14 at the 2012 U20 Women World Cup in Japan
3. she wore no 4 at the 2014 U20 Women World Cup in Canada
4. Now she is currently spotting the no8 jersey for the Superfalcons.

I truly believe that we need excellent replacements for the likes of 1. Onome Ebi 35yrs 2. Evelyn Nwabuoku 33yrs by November 3. Faith Ikidi 31yrs 4. Rita Chikwelu 30yrs.

BascoVanVeli:
That could be an option but I doubt she will be ready by the time AWCON roles around.

Christy Ucheibe 17yrs would be a great addition to the team, she is such an enforcer from the Holding Midfield role, she has her way of breaking up play and cleaning up the mess in the midfield and can go box to box. she is such an energetic player. All she needs now is proper grooming and experience....

I named her Kante....

Duru1:
Most of the position players in sport are converted players from a position to another. Oshoala was defensive midfielder when she started and wore jersey #4. I guest Yobo was even midfielder/striker turned defender. Chidinma could be groomed into good defender. I do not know the vision of Danjuma but Glory Ogbonna is a very good defender. In addition to these young kids in the defense of the Falcon, I think Ugochi Emenayo is a very solid CB for U20.

Asisat Oshoala #14 started as an attacker during her up coming days but she was deployed as a Defensive midfielder during the 2012 U20 Women World Cup in Japan and was so excellent in that position before she was reverted back to her attacking role.

Duru1:
Joy Duru, if given proper care, is natural left back. She needs to calm down and study the game instead of expanding too much energy and overrunning the play. Anyway, the dumbass coach kept shouting go! go!! go!!!

Joy Duru is still a kid at this stage,
Ngozi Ebere has been one of our best performer over 4years now in terms of position of play.

BascoVanVeli:
I have always seen her as a CB. IMO she is lacking in pace and will get toasted by a speedy winger.

I doubt this, I have seen and watched her play on several occasions, she is very much okay and her overlapping run can't be kept aside. she is fast and returns pretty well, a good set piece taker.

BascoVanVeli:
Njoku is a no go area but we have not had a natural left back in years. We can't go by the coach judgment because this is the same man who benched Anam Imo for Ajibade, so we should know sentiments came to play. Duru and Glory both should be looked at.

As for Okeke, our CBs are not getting any younger and with a good coach she can really be a good defender.

Talking about not having a natural left back, what happened to Ngozi Ebere who plays for Barcelona FA in Cyprus!!!!!
she is the best we have for now, she combines her defensive duties well with her overlapping run and defence splitting pullout.

Duru1:
The bolded should be dropped. Ucheibe, Efih, Ijamilusi and Igboamalu should be called up. Also the Falcon defense should be revamped with players such as C. Okeke. Glory Ogbonna and Opayemi Sunday

chidinma Okeke is naturally a striker, she should be reverted back to her position best instead and she can't displace the likes of Josephine Chukwunonye, joy jegede who are been benched for veteran Onome Ebi... ......if it's Osinachi Ohale that is a no go area.
As for Glory Ogbonna and Opeyemi Sunday they are not up to the Class of Ngozi Ebere and Ugo Njoku yet. if Glory is that good she won't sit on the bench for joy Duru during the U20 world cup.

Daejoyoung:
lgbinovia we convert her instead, okobi is too valuable in AM to be converted to a DMF.

Igbinovia should be the appropriate option for the defensive midfield role, she played that role at the U20 Women World Cup in 2014. Even at her clubside she is been deployed as a no4 or 10.

BascoVanVeli:
We are talking about DMF it is not like Nwabuoku is lacking for pace in that position. Our problem is that there is no DMF in sight. Maybe we can convert Okobi.

Never, Ngozi Okobi is the best we have in our Attacking midfield position, she distribute the ball better than any other player in the team although she has played as a defensive midfielder some time during her U20 days..

USA based striker Chioma Ubogagu have also indicated her interest in playing for the Superfalcons, I hope the coaches gives her a chance.
the 25yrs old striker plays for Orlando pride alongside Marta and Alves of Brazil, Alex Morgan, Sydney Lyroux, Ali Kreiger of the US...

[quote author=BascoVanVeli post=70426335]I know she is no spring chicken but I don't see a replacement in sight. If you watch the last AFCON you will see that our DMF had no discipline and the midfield was breaking down time and again.
The problem is that I don't see a player in her mold so the coach will have to come around playing her.[/quote
Amarachi Okoronkwo is currently the coach choice in the Holding midfield position..

we so much have the players that can deliver in the midfield positions. 1. Rita Chikwelu 2. Ngozi Okobi 3. Halimatu Ayinde 4. Evelyn Nwabuoku 5. Osarenoma Igbinovia 6. Amarachi Okoronkwo. young stars like Christy Ucheibe can also come in...

BascoVanVeli:
I would have her maybe as the first midfielder to come off the bench, I would rather go with Evelyn Nwabouku, Halimat Ayinde and Ngozi Okobi. They played in the world cup together and offer each other balance. Evelyn can sit back while Ayinde marks and Okobi creates.

Age is no longer on Evelyn Nwabuoku side, she would be 33yrs old by November though she is still very much active,but I still wonder why she haven't impressed the coaches yet!
Evelyn Nwabuoku sits in front of the back 4 and break things up. She does the nasty work that people don't really want to do. she is an aggressive player, very fit and physical and she likes to break up play.

No coach will currently bench Chikwelu in the superfalcon Team.. she is still a good passer, full of energy and experience but the pace may no longer be there...

olapluto:
We have more than enough players to replace Rita Chikwelu and other aging players. We have been producing good players since 2012 U20 world cup. Women football is now fast paced, and we cant afford to be slow. We saw how France dismantled us in that friendly with their B team.

currently the superfalcon midfield is very much loaded with good players... Chikwelu, Okobi, Ayinde, Igbinovia, Okoronkwo... Then bring in few others.
I believe as soon as Rita chikwelu hand up her boots, Okobi will surely take up the No 10 Shirt..cus she is the best for that Number.

PDPGuy:
I doubt whether the Rita Chikwelu I saw at the 2016 AWCON has anything positive to offer the team at the World Cup.

It pains me to say this, but our ‘star’ players, with the possible exception of an Oshoala, Ngozi Okobi or Oparanozie, only shine against African opposition. And most (99.5%) of African teams are merely “kick and follow” teams; they have almost no football IQ.
Thus, when our teams face slightly better non-Africans teams who have a much higher football IQ, our players then look bang average, at best.

you are wrong to doubt Rita Chikwelu qualities with the ball. Naturally Rita Chikwelu is an attacking minded player but due to her versatility and experience she is able to play as a holding midfielder. Go and check her club ( Kristianstand DFF, SWEDEN ) line up, she is their main threat in the attacking midfield, she sometimes play as a striker from the right wing.

Nigeria Superfalconet Line Up against Haiti

Gift gives Falconets timely boost

By

 Editor

 -

August 8, 2018

0

871

 

Share



Nigeria’s preparations for the U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup Group D matchday2 has been given a timely boost with Monday Gift putting herself in contention for selection against Haiti.

The news will be warmly welcomed by coach Christopher Danjuma who is desperate to have every player available following the narrow 1-0 loss to Germany in the Group opener on Monday.

Gift, who is on the books of FC Robo Queens missed the clash with the three-time champions due to accumulation of cards.

She took part in the team’s training sessions and looked sharp ahead of the make or mar game against Haiti.

A left footed dazzler, Gift will add power and mobility to the team’s chemistry if fielded in the second Group tie.

The Falconets will battle with their Haiti counterparts in Saint Malo on Thursday.

Are Falconets over dependent on Ajibade?

August 8, 2018.

More often than not, when Rasheedat Ajibade scores, the Falconets win.

In the opening game of Group D of the 2018 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Saint Malo on Monday, the Nigeria team lost 1-0 to Germany, Ajibade was below her best.

There’s a chance for redemption with games against Haiti and China to follow in the tight Pool.

It took a little while for the FC Robo Queens skipper to hit her straps on Monday but once she did, the Falconets certainly reaped the benefits.

The hard-working yet classy attacker scored 10 goals in the qualifiers and chipped in some goals in the friendlies.

Obviously, Ajibade is not deployed as a central forward – as the Anam Imo – but her role out wide and cutting inside is enormously important as it fits in with the playmaking style of Bashirat Amoo, Peace Efih and Adebisi Saheed.

It would be unfair to label the Falconets a one-woman team, as there is plenty of quality floating about in the team, but it is hard to look past the reliance Christopher Danjuma’s team has on Ajibade.

Wait a minute! The team missed the services of Monday Gift who was suspended after accumulation of cards in the qualifiers. Could it be that she missed the influence of Chindinma Okeke who played as a central defender on Monday?

Let’s hope for Nigeria’s sake that Ajibade, who is as fit as a butcher’s dog, remains running on top of the ground and operating in her customary aggressive manner otherwise any hint of qualifying from Group D will soon be put to bed.

I believe with the return of Monday Gift, the Attack will be more better.

Nigeria U20 Player Ratings: GK Nnadozie, Efih & Okeke Stand Out; Ajibabe Anonymous
Published: August 07, 2018

Stefanie Sanders scored a 69th-minute winner as Germany recorded a 1-0 victory over Nigeria in their Group D U20 FIFA Women's World Cup encounter at the Stade de Marville in Saint-Malo.
Here's how the Falconets fared in the tension soaked encounter;
Chiamaka Nnadozie: Her team's player of the match. She produced six world class saves.
The 17yrs old Rivers Angels goalkeeper has proven that she is no doubt the Superfalcon future no1 after the Likes of Oluehi and Alaba. she was confident and calm with sharp reflexes 8/10.
Opeyemi Sunday: The full back was contended with defending her territory and hardly ventured forward and was unable to bring some pullout from the back 5/10.
Glory Ogbonna: Ogbonna was assured at the Leftback, she maintained her usual sense of calmness, composure and concentration. she need to bring in her experience of training with the Superfalcons 6/10.
Mary Ologbosere: It's rare to see the Rivers Angels youngster feature at central defence. She relished the moment,she delivered some long balls from the back from her unusual position. 6/10
Chidinma Okeke: Another makeshift defender, who was confident marshalling the back four,The striker turned defender made good tackles and was excellent with her aerial abilities. 7/10
Peace Efih: The Edo Queens midfielder made crucial blocks and almost equalized but her bullet went off the post. 7/10
Bashirat Amoo: Amoo started the game very well and passed with confidence. 6.5/10
Saheed Adebisi: Falconets flop of the match. She was rarely involved and failed to deliver. She did disappoint with her poor performance. 3/10
Rasheedat Ajibade: Ajibade didn't really come to the party, was largely anonymous. The moment she got into the act her team almost scored. 5/10
Anam Imo: The Nasarawa Amazons forward was often left isolated. She caused the Germans all sorts of problems. 5.5/10
Aishat Bello: The starlet was made to track back before she was substituted. 3.5/10
Substitutes
Taibat Odueke: She offered little after coming on for the injured Efih. 4/10
Grace Igboamalu: Igboamalu offered support to Imo when she came on board. 4/10

Why use Mary Ologbosere as a central defender?

It’s no longer news that the technical crew led by coach Danjuma fielded a makeshift central defence pairing. Mary Ologbosere and Okeke marshalled the defence. Ologbosere struggled to deal with the Germans. The overlapping full back showed fans that she is a right back with there quality crosses in the second half. Maybe she should be reverted back to that position. She belongs there.

Superfalconet are ready to go!

NIGERIA U20 12:30 GERMANY U20 Competition U20 Women's World Cup Date 6 August 2018 Game week 1 Kick-off 12:30 16 C. Nnadozie 3 G. Ogbonna 7 P. Efih 8 R. Ajibade 10 A. Saheed 11 B. Amoo 13 M. Ologbosere 14 A. Imo 15 O. Aiyeniberu 17 C. Okeke 20 A. Bello 1 V. Fischer 4 S. Kleinherne 5 T. Pawollek 6 J. Minge 7 G. Gwinn 8 J. Feldkamp 9 S. Sanders 10 L. Freigang 14 J. Hechler 17 S. Nüsken 20 L. Oberdorf G Coach: C. Musa G Coach: M. Meinert SUBSTITUTES 1 O. Okeke G 21 R. Akarekor G 2 M. Saiki 4 C. Ucheibe 6 K. Famuditi 9 J. Duru 12 G. Igboamalu 18 B. Ezekiel 19 T. Odueke 21 C. Voll G 12 J. Leitzig G 2 D. Orschmann 3 K. Orschmann 11 K. Kögel 13 S. Linder 15 N. Lange 16 L. Graf 18 K. Bühl 19 A. Rieke ADDITIONAL INFO Referee A. Keighley Fourth official C. Chenard