15th September, 2010
Eucharia Uche, Chief Coach of the Super Falcons is preparing the team for the 2010 Africa Women Championship scheduled to hold in South Africa later in the year. She spoke to SUNDAY AKINTOYE about her assignment and the performance of the Flamingoes at the on going FIFA U-17 Women World Cup in Trinidad & Tobago.
How would you rate the performance of the Flamingoes at the on going FIFA U-17 Women World Cup in Trinidad &Tobago?
I must confess to you that the Flamingoes are a delight to watch in all the three matches played so far. This is to tell you that Nigeria’s female football is forced to be reckoned with in the World. I think the team can make the final because the players are determined and focused to go beyond the quarter final stage.
Do you see the Flamingoes reaching the final?
With what I saw in their previous matches, they can reach the final or possibly win the trophy. The only country that may give Nigeria some problem is Germany and I don’t think they will meet until the final.
Nigeria will meet Korea Republic in one of the quarter final matches, what are your expectations?
I don’t see Korea as a stumbling block for the progress of Nigeria. Actually, Korea will play a fast game to get early goals in the first half. If Nigeria can curtail their moves in the first half or possibly score them first, the Koreans would be confused. I think Nigeria need to cage the pacy Koreans. If they can do that, Nigeria will come out victorious at the end of the day.
Which area do you think Nigeria need to improve?
The team are fortified in all departments. The only area I feel the coach should reorganise is the defence. The coach should caution his defenders to avoid unnecessary foul because some countries take advantage of set pieces, which could cost the Flamingoes. The team’s midfield and attack are good for now. I don’t think we have much problem in the team.
Will you invite any of the players to the national team?
I have a bunch of good players in camp that are excellently good. It will be difficult for me to invite some players in the Flamingoes to the senior national team. The only player that was invited before the FIFA U-17 Women World Cup started is Francisca Ordega. By the time the championship is over, Ordega will join us in camp if she does not show signs of fatigue.
How are you preparing for the Nations Cup slated for South Africa?
We started our training yesterday. Thirty one players trained were part of the exercise and I’m impressed with their response.
When will you announce  your final squad?
I don’t know for now because the foreign-based players are yet to join us. Most of the players that are training now are home based-players and the foreign based-players must join us in October before we embark on training tour of Canada.
Which country would Nigeria play friendly matches with in Canada?
We are going to play against USA and Canada senior teams as part of our build up ahead of the African Women Championship. So, my final team list will come out after we have played some international friendlies to test the players.
What are the challenges facing the Super Falcons?
We don’t have much problems for now. We have enough facilities to train. We have been training on the FIFA Goal Project astro turf. I think the players are in good condition and motivated by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.