SPORTS
World Cup: What Super Falcons Need to do – Pundits
A local coach and some pundits on Sunday advised the Head Coach of the Super Falcons, Randy Waldrum, to resolve the issues around the team’s midfield, to enable it to find its balance.
They gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, while reflecting on the Super Falcons’ draw against Canada and the next match against host, Australia.
NAN reports that the Super Falcons started the campaign of their ninth appearance in the Women World Cup hosted by New Zealand and Australia with a 0-0 scoreline against Olympics Women Football gold medalist, Canada.
A coach of a Nationwide League One (NLO) side, Martins Oguntoye, told NAN that the Super Falcons needed to be more determined in their approach to matches
“Super Falcons had a slow start before they imposed themselves on the game midway into the first half.
“They didn’t relent as soon as they got their bearing and it was no surprise they got the first shot on target before the Canadians, who were the favourites based on their pre- competition hype as the Olympic Champions.
“I will say we made a significant error in the second minute of the second half when Francesca Ordega conceded the penalty.
“Canadian goal at that time could have demoralised the Super Falcons, knowing that we were doing well at the time,” he said.
Oguntoye said it was good the goalkeeper and captain of the day, Chiamaka Nnadozie, came to the rescue and caught the spot kick.
“It was relief, and beside the red card got by Deborah Abiodun in the dying minutes of the game, it would have been a fantastic result and a good day for Nigeria.
“Looking ahead, the Super Falcons need a creative midfielder that can help to hold the ball and dribble on few occasions too to douse tension.
“The Falcons man-marked their opponents very well but they were poor at stringing passes. They need to work on that.
“Nigerians agitated for the inclusion of Ngozi Okobi but the performance of Abiodun before she was sent off showed team head coach, Randy Waldrum, made the best decision. She’s younger and quite mobile,” he said.
Oguntoye said that if the Super Falcons could learn to be more mobile and retain possession better, while also making good decisions, the team would not be stopped by Australia and Republic of Ireland.
Another analyst, Isaac Sanyaolu, noted that the midfielders deployed by Waldrum needed some experience to perform optimally in the team.
“Playing Abiodun primarily as a defensive midfielder and her versatility allows her to contribute effectively as a central midfielder and attacking midfielder as well.
“She possesses an outstanding range of skills and qualities that make her a standout player in the midfield.
“Abiodun exhibits impressive technical skills, including precise passing, ball control, and tactical awareness.
“Despite her young age, she displays remarkable bravery on the field, fearlessly challenging opponents and executing critical tackles,” he said.
Sanyaolu said her physical strength and athleticism give her an edge in battles for possession, making her a dominant force in midfield duels.
“Abiodun’s boundless energy allows her to cover the ground effectively, contributing both defensively and offensively throughout the game.
“Her tenacity and determination make her a rugged presence in midfield, disrupting opponents’ attacks and leading by example,” he said.
For another analyst, Kelechi Nweke, Nigeria needs to be sharper in attack, especially with Asisat Oshoala.
He said that Oshoala needed to put in the kind of performance she puts in during Barcelona matches
“Why she turns out average performances in the Nigerian colours compared to her Barcelona performances is yet to be unravelled,” he said. (NAN)
Nasarawa United Football Club of Lafia on Saturday defeated Lobi Stars of Makurdi 1-0 in a pulsating North Central derby.
The matchday 16 fixture of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premiere Football League (NPFL) was played at the Lafia Township Stadium, Nasarawa State capital.
The Makurdi side had adopted the Lafia Township Stadium as their home ground for the 2024/2025 NPFL season.
The only goal of the match was scored by Qamar Adegoke in the 12th minute of the match to give all three points to the Lafia side.
Adegoke’s goal, who joined the Lafia team recently, was his second in four matches.
The Nasarawa attacker capitalised on a defensive error by the opponent’s backline and hit the back of the net to give Nasarawa United the advantage.
In a post-match interview, Kabir Dogo, Technical Adviser of Nasarawa United, hailed his players for taking all three points.
He explained that his team had improved by scoring five goals in their last three matches and expressed optimism that they would do better in subsequent games.
“We had a problem in the area of goal scoring in the past, but this has changed in our last three games,” he said.
With the win, Nasarawa United climbed to 14th on the NPFL table, while Lobi Stars remain on 17th position. (NAN)
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) is organising a two-day National Coaching Seminar, with the theme: “Leadership and Management Skills”.
The event will take place from Dec. 17 to Dec. 18, at the Additional Sports and Entertainment (ASEP) Pro Limited, in Mowe, Ogun State.
The seminar will enhance the capabilities of Nigerian table tennis coaches, with a particular emphasis on female coaches, aligning with the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) Initiative.
A statement issued by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, on Tuesday, said that the seminar was part of the one-week sports and leadership boot camp titled “Awaken the Giant, She Can 4.
0,” proudly supported by NTTF.“This seminar will also represent the third stage of the 2024 “My Gender, My Strength” programme, which has table tennis star Abosede Akinsete, as a beneficiary.
“NTTF President,Tikon Ishaku, Vice President, Adesoji Tayo, and other board members are dedicated to initiatives that support the development of coaches.
“Wahid Enitan-Oshodi, ITTF Executive Vice President, and President of ITTF-Africa, reaffirms his commitment to empowering women in sports, in line with the GEDI Initiative.
He explained that the seminar would feature people, who would speak on leadership and management skills, to enhance the abilities of coaches to identify and develop talents, as well as encourage the development of high-performance table tennis players capable of competing globally. (NAN)
Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt on Sunday returned to the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) summit as strong rivals Remo Stars FC faltered on Match Day 13.
Report says that Rivers United beat visiting Abia Warriors of Umuahia 1-0 after an Ndifreke Effiong 58th minute goal from the penalty kick spot.
Effiong’s goal in the match at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium helped them to move to 25 points from 13 matches, after seven wins, four draws and two losses.
Former leaders Remo Stars dropped to second with 23 points from 13 matches after seven wins, two draws and four losses, following a 0-2 loss to hosts Katsina United.
Plateau United of Jos beat visiting Nasarawa United of Lafia 2-0 to bolster their position.
Shooting Stars Sports Club also struggled to a 1-0 win over visiting Bayelsa United of Yenago.
A 15th minute goal by Anthony Okachi at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan gave them the win.
El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri had on Saturday beaten Akwa United of Uyo 1-0 to move into third place on the table with 22 points from 13 games.
Enyimba International of Aba remained in fourth place with 20 points from 12 matches, with their week 13 game against Sunshine Stars of Akure on hold.
Rangers International of Enugu are in fifth place with 20 points also, after a goalless draw with hosts Heartland FC ain Owerri on Saturday.
Bendel Insurance of Benin had also beaten Kwara United of Ilorin 3-1, while Lobi Stars of Makurdi drew 2-2 with visiting Kano Pillars in Lafia.
NAN reports that the league will enter Match Day 14 on Wednesday.(NAN)
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