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Tag: Super Falcons

  • Nigerian female players need to be discouraged from going abroad – Chiejine

    Nigerian female players need to be discouraged from going abroad – Chiejine

    Ann Chiejine, a former Super Falcons assistant coach, has advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to be more involved in contract agreements many Nigerian female footballers now sign abroad.

    Chiejine, who appeared for the national team at three FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, said on Monday in Abuja that the contents of such contract agreements are very alarming.

    “The rate at which Nigerian female footballers sign playing contracts with clubs across the world, particularly in Europe and Asia, is now alarming and needs to be checked.

    “ It is very disturbing that they jump at any available opportunity to play in Europe and Asia without bothering about the contents of the contracts,’’ she told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    The former national goalkeeper advised that the NFF should be more involved in the players’ contract agreements.

    “It is unbelievable that these players sign contracts that see them earning very little —- as low as 400 dollars and not higher than about 600 dollars per month.

    “So, my advice is that the NFF should be more involved in their contract agreements.

    “The football agents are exploiting the players and it has to stop.’’

    She lamented the fact that some of the players involved were not even ready to listen to advice from experienced players like her.

    “When we advise them, based on the fact that we have some knowledge and experience in such area, they feel it’s out of envy that they are going abroad.

    “But it is not so. It is because we know they are good enough to earn good pay in Europe, and they should therefore go for contracts that are not slavish,’’ Chiejine said.

    She however said, apart from NFF intervention in the area of good scrutiny, clubs on the domestic scene needed to do better to ensure Nigerian players stay back home.

    “Our domestic clubs should up their game in terms of remunerations for these players.

    “When our players realise they can earn something tangible at home, they won’t bother travelling abroad for peanuts.’’

  • NFF throws Super Falcons’ job open to foreign, local coaches

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that the new coach for the Super Falcons could be a Nigerian or a foreigner.

    NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, who disclosed this at the weekend said the most important is to ensure the Super Falcons get a manager that can keep them on top of African football.

    He stated that anyone interested in coaching the falcons should apply to Pricewaterhouse (PWC) – a company that has been given the contract to recruit coaches for the national male and women teams.

    Pinnick noted that PWC has drawn out well-structured criteria the coaches must meet to manage any of the teams.

    “The Super Falcons’ coaching job is open to Nigerian and expatriate coaches, who must meet the standard set by PWC,” Pinnick said, adding, “the company has what it takes to pick the best among the list of applicants.

    “Some Nigerian coaches based abroad that I have not met have called to inform me that they are interested in the Super Falcons job and I tell them that the federation is not involved in coaches recruitment.

    “Any interested person should apply to PWC with their credentials. If former Super Falcons’ stars like Mercy Akide, Florence Omagbemi and others are interested in coaching the Falcons, they should apply through PWC.

    “The company has guidelines a coach must attain to get the job. Any coach PWC picks to handle the Falcons at the end of the day will be accepted by the NFF,” he said.

  • FIFA Women’s Ranking: Nigeria now first in Africa

    Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been ranked as the first team in Africa after moving up by one spot to place 38th in the world in the FIFA Women’s World Football Ranking.

    In the ranking table for the month of March on the website of world football governing body FIFA on Thursday, Nigeria garnered 1,614 points.

    Nigeria placed first in Africa ahead of Cameroon, South Africa, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire who are second, third, fourth and fifth respectively.

    Zambia are also among several teams to have earned a FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking boost following a busy start to the year.

    A combination of Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifiers and several friendly tournaments have caused significant movement across the continents.

    ”While the Zambians (100th, up 6) are this edition’s biggest climbers after clinching a spot at the Olympics with a shock triumph over Cameroon, they are not the only team ascending the order.

    ”France (3rd, up 1), Brazil (8th, up 1), Korea DPR (10th, up 1) and Korea Republic (18th, up 2) have all edged upwards in the top 20, while both Slovenia (49th, up 1) and Jamaica (50th, up 1) are now in their highest-ever positions.

    ”In truth, these gains are often indebted as much to others’ struggles as to the rising team’s successes.

    ”Korea DPR have leapfrogged Japan (11th, down 1), due to the Nadeshiko suffering three straight losses at the SheBelieves Cup, while Slovenia and Jamaica have advanced thanks to Zambia’s surprise qualifying defeat of Cameroon (51st, down 2).

    ”At the very top, the USA’s (1st, unchanged) long reign continues after the world champions lifted the SheBelieves Cup on home soil.

    ”But Germany (2nd, unchanged) have at least narrowed the gap after impressing at the Algarve Cup and gaining 12 ranking points – more than any other top-ten team in this edition,” a report on the website said.

    The global order has also welcomed its newest addition, with Gambia (113th) increasing the number of teams in the ranking to 159 – the second-highest number on record.

  • Super Falcons out of Tokyo 2020 Olympics

    Super Falcons out of Tokyo 2020 Olympics

    The Nigeria national women team, Super Falcons, are out of contention to play in the women’s football event at next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

    The Christopher Danjuma-tutored side played out a disappointing 1-1 draw against their Ivorian counterparts on Monday in their African qualifying second round second leg tie at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

    Having played a barren draw in the first leg in Abidjan against Les Femelles Elephantes of Cote d’Ivoire, the Nigerian women have been edged out via the away goals rule.

    This the third successive edition of the Olympic Games that the Super Falcons will be failing to qualify for having also missed out on the London 2012 and Rio Olympics in 2016.

    In Monday’s tie, Christopher Danjuma made three changes to the side that started at Parc des Sports, Treichville, with Gift Monday, Rasheedat Ajibade and Ngozi Ebere earning starting places.

    However, it was the visitors that scored first as Kapho Nina gave Cote d’Ivoire the lead in the 12th minute.

    While the Super Falcons expectedly mounted the pressure to get an equalizer, they almost conceded a second goal in the 32nd minute as Ange N’Guessan came close to doubling the lead for the Ivorians.

    However, two minutes later, captain Asisat Oshola did get the much sought after equalizer for Nigeria when she raced again through the defence of the Ivorians before firing past the goalkeeper to level for the Super Falcons.

    With the first half ending 1-1, the Super Falcons had all the work to do in the second half but despite piling the pressure on the visitors they could not convert the chances they created.

  • Tokyo 2020: Cote d’Ivoire hold Super Falcons to barren draw

    Hosts, Les Femelles Elephantes of Cote d’Ivoire battled African champions, Super Falcons of Nigeria to a barren draw in their Tokyo 2020 women’s football tournament African second round, first leg qualifying match in Abidjan on Thursday.

    The encounter at the Parc des Sports de Treichville saw both teams creating several opportunities but failing to put the ball in the net, with Nigeria captain Asisat Oshoala spurning two excellent chances to win the game for the Falcons.

    Super Falcons’ youthful goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was again in superb form, thwarting the Cote d’Ivoire and ensuring a respectable result for Nigeria ahead of the return leg at the Agege Stadium in Lagos on Monday.

    Nigeria’s midfielder Amarachi Okoronkwo was given her marching orders in added time of the second half of the match after a second bookable offence.

    The Super Falcons will return to Nigeria on Friday and the team will immediately begin preparation for the return leg encounter on Monday.

  • Super Falcons intensify training ahead of clash with Cote d’ Ivoire

    Nigeria’s Super Falcons have intensified training ahead of the third round of their Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifying fixture against Cote d’Ivoire.

    Christopher Danjuma, the team’s stand-in coach, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja that their preparations were in top gear in view of the game’s importance.

    “Our preparations have been great. Every one knows how important it is to qualify for the Olympic Games. So, we are taking the match against Cote d’ Ivoire very serious.

    “But it`s one step at a time. We have to go past the Ivorians before we meet other opponents.

    “The ultimate target is simply to qualify for the Olympics,’’ Danjuma, who took charge of the team in the wake of team head coach Thomas Dennerby’s departure, said.

    NAN reports that Dennerby was reported to have left the team unceremoniously, following a disagreement with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    The coach, who is also the manager of Nigeria’s under-20 female team, said the technical crew was focusing on the mentality and psyche of the players.

    “Any country playing against Nigeria gets prepared. So, we have been working on our mentality which is an area they will likely intimidate us.

    “We are also concentrating on the psyche, the physical fitness, tactical and technical ability of the team,’’ he added.

    NAN reports that the Super Falcons’ camp, which boasts of 25 home-based players, is still awaiting the arrival of a number of foreign-based players.

    The coach though was however quick to add that the team was still good in terms of the players already in camp.

    “We have great and talented home-based players who are all seeking for an opportunity to showcase themselves’’.

    NAN reports that the first leg game of the fixture is scheduled for Sept. 30 with the Ivorians playing hosts.

  • Olympic Qualifier: Falcons beat Algeria 3-0 on aggregate, through to 3rd round

    The Super Falcons moved to the third round of CAF’s 2020 Tokyo Women Football Qualifiers after beating Algeria 1-0 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Tuesday to qualify 3-0 aggregate.

    The Falcons had defeated the North Africans 2-0 in the first leg in Algiers, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The African champions’ foreign-based players, who were absent in the first leg, could not make a statement with their performance in the first half of the match.

    The attack led by FC Barcelona Women forward Asisat Oshoala were however asking all the questions as they piled pressure on the Desert ladies in search of a goal.

    The Algerians, on the other hand, were solid in the defence to keep the Falcons at bay.

    However, luck ran out on the visitors as Oshoala made a brilliant solo run for a perfect finish in the 59th minute.

    The lone goal was enough to send Thomas Dennerby side to the third round against either Mali or Cote d’Ivoire.

  • Super Falcons deserve same pay as Super Eagles – Oparanozie

    Desire Oparanozie believes the Nigeria women’s team deserve to receive the same pay as the country’s male side.
    Oparanozie, who captained the Super Falcons to a Round of 16 finish at the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup, made the comment at the 2019 Ladies In Sports Conference in Lagos.
    In 2018, Thomas Dennerby’s side piped South Africa to win their ninth African Women’s Cup of Nations crown in Ghana, making them the African team with the most titles.
    In spite of the team’s successes, they only received US$3,000 as winning bonus and $1,500 for a draw at international outings, compared to the men’s team getting $10,000 and $5,000 for the same achievements.
    “We are the most successful female team in Africa, yet we have the largest disparities between men’s and women’s pay,” noted Oparanozie.
    “I think we deserve equal pay. This big gap tells a different story and a proper rethink of this mode of payment could also help the women’s game.
    “We have done the nation proud and I think the results over the years are there for all to see.
    “With positive results and more success, I believe we will get there, it’s one step at a time.”
    Oparanozie will hope for a positive response from the Nigeria Football Federation when the Super Falcons gather for next month’s African Women’s 2020 Olympic qualifier against Algeria.

  • FIFA Rankings: U.S. retain lead as Super Falcons move two places up

    Nigeria have moved two places up the FIFA Women’s rankings, following their first Round of 16 appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 20 years.
    The rankings were released on FIFA’s website on Friday.
    The African champions are now ranked in the 36th position with 1643 points, but they remain the continent’s top placed team.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exploits of the U.S. at the tournament see them retain their top spot as the world’s best.
    Jill Ellis team strengthened their hold after defeating four fellow top-six nations in the process to extend their lead to 121 points over Germany who are second.
    The world champions amassed 2180 points against 2059 by the German side, who lost to Sweden in the quarter-finals.
    This has become the largest gap in the ranking’s history.
    The Netherlands, who were runners-up at the World Cup in France, moved five places up to the third position and are the biggest movers within the top 10.
    After their Cinderella run to the final in what was only their second ever participation in the world finals, the Dutch’s third place ranking is the country’s best-ever position.
    For the African teams, Cameroon who alongside Nigeria reached the Round of 16, rose five places up with 1552 points in the 41st position to become Africa’s second best team.
    Debutants South Africa retain their 49th spot in the world and are third on the continent’s list.
    Also, Gabon returned to the ranking for the first time since August 2016, placed 124th, after their impressive away win over Congo in the 2020 Olympics qualifiers.
    Sweden’s bronze-medal finish at France 2019 sees them make the second-highest move within the top 10.
    They moved from the ninth to sixth position and return to the top six for the first time in over two years.
    The ranking itself reached a new milestone with the number of teams increasing from 155 to 158.
    This means no team needed to be removed due to prolonged inactivity, which is an all-time record.
    The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking will be published on Sept. 27.

  • Falcons Coach Madu, Sen. Tinubu, 21 others make Women Hall of Fame list

    Falcons Coach Madu, Sen. Tinubu, 21 others make Women Hall of Fame list

    Super Falcons Assistant Coach Maureen Madu has made the list of 23 prominent Nigerian Women to be inducted into the Nigerian Women Hall of Fame at a ceremony scheduled to take place in Abuja on June 27.

    A list of the inductees obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), organisers of the event, showed that Madu was selected for being the first Nigerian female coach to manage a top club in Europe.

    She was also listed among the inductees for being the first female Nigerian to make 100 appearances for women’s national team.

    Madu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview that it was an honour to be among the inductees.

    “I thank Almighty God for the honour; it made me to understand that wherever you are you have to put in your best no matter the circumstance.

    “It made me to know that it pays to be hardworking, honest and dedicated in whatever you are doing knowing that it will put you in limelight,” she said.

    Prominent Nigerian women on the list are Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, first female to win senatorial seat in three consecutive parliaments and Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa who is the first female president of court of appeal.

    Others are Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, the richest female of African descent; Flight Lt. Blessing Liman, first female Nigerian Military Pilot, and Prof. Adenike Osofisan, first woman to obtain Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science.

    Dr Stella Adadevoh, Physician who curbed a wider spread of Ebola virus by quarantining a Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, in spite pressure, also made the list.

    Adadevoh lost her life in the process.

    The Nigerian Women Hall of Fame was established as a national repository to document and celebrate every success that has been or achieved by Nigerian women and young girls, considering the difficulties they encountered to attain their status.

    Late Prof. Dora Akunyili and former Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala are among notable Nigerian women etched in marble at the NCWD.