By Gracious Akujobi Former Super Falcons coach Sam Okpodu has advised that the only way the Senior women national team can make any impact at the 2015 World Cup is to engage in grade ‘A’ friendly matches.
“I want to wish them the very best because the World Cup is not going to be easy. I honestly believe that with the quality of players we have we should not have any problem getting out of that group but again preparation is key,” Okpodu told Prompt News.
“Anything can happen I can assure you. These girls are not going there to go and loose games, they need to capitalize on opportunities, it’s all about scoring goals. If they score goals we will win our games, so they just have to score goals
“I am wishing and praying for them to do well. Everyone is going to be on their toes knowing full well it’s not going to be easy playing the likes of United States that have been playing grade A competition and friendly matches for some weeks now.
“Our girls need to do same and we need to be in an environment where these girls can actually grow and be ready to play at that level,” he reiterated.
When asked on how Super Falcons player Asisat Oshoala’s move to Liverpool Ladies will impact on the African champions Okpodu replied:
“I believe Asisat’s move will be beneficial to Falcons because when you play in that type of environment where you are actually being encouraged it lifts a players confidence.
“Here, we play harder; they squeeze everything from the player. There, the players have a little bit of latitude to grow, questions on how to make them better ,chance to make themselves better.
“I know it’s going to help her become even a better player because when she comes to join Falcons, you will see the difference” he concluded.
Super Falcons are pitched in group D alongside United States, Sweden and Australia at the FIFA women World Cup in Canada.
