‘ Forget African games and target World Cup ‘ – NFF President charges Falconets
Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has urged the U20 women’s national team, Falconets, to shift their focus from their recent loss at the African Games and channel their efforts towards making a significant impact at the upcoming FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Following the Falconets’ 1-2 defeat to Ghana’s Black Princesses in the final match of the 13th African Games women’s football event, Gusau stressed the importance of moving past the disappointment and setting sights on the World Cup.
Gusau emphasised, “You played well and showed good skills and teamwork to the final, but your best was not good enough to retain the gold medal. There is no need and there will never be any gain in crying over spilt milk. The onus is now on you and the coaches to focus on the FIFA World Cup finals coming up later this year.”
He further added, “In truth, the NFF and Nigerians expected you to retain the gold medal, having scored eight goals and conceded none until the final match. That is gone now and the World Cup beckons. Your collective objective should be to win the World Cup trophy for the first time. The NFF will give you all the support to prepare adequately and face the world’s best in Colombia.”
Speaking on the Falconets’ history in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, Gusau highlighted their past achievements and stressed the need for consistency and determination to clinch the title. He said, “Our girls have been in the Final of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup on two occasions. In 2010 and 2014, though they lost on both occasions to Germany. There has been some consistency in our performance over the years and it is time to take the step up and claim the title. That can only be done by hard work, focus and self-belief. The hard work must start right now.”
The FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup has been dominated by a few countries since its inception in 2002, with the likes of USA, Germany, DPR Korea, Japan, and Spain emerging as champions. The upcoming tournament is scheduled to take place from 31st – 22nd September in Colombia.
