28th June, 2011
The failure of Super Falcons of Nigeria to secure a victory against France in the opening match of the FIFA Women World Cup will motivate them to be aggressive and ruthless when they confront hosts, Germany, on Thursday in a make or mar encounter.
These were the words of a board member of 3SC Football Club of Ibadan after Nigeriaâ€
Nigeria remain bottom in group A after Germany defeated Canada 2-1 in the second match of the group. Many Nigerians, who watched the Falcons played against France were disappointed and doubtful that the African Champions will qualify from the group.
Though Owolabi agreed that the defeat Falcons suffered in their opening match put them in a tight corner, he said that they can still qualify if they avoid defeat in their next matches against Germany and Canada respectively.
“Although millions of Nigerians are not happy that the Falcons were defeated in their opening match, they tried their best and their effort was not rewarded, which allowed France to run away with the victory.
“Falcons should not be afraid of Germany. They should go all out and win their two remaining matches to keep hope alive,†he said.
The former Green Eagles player believed that Germany are beatable and if Falcons put their acts together they can come out victorious.
He urged Nigerians not to write off Falcons and remain optimistic that the team can still qualify if they play according to their coachâ€
“Everything is possible in the game of football. It is too early to conclude that it is over for Falcons. If our ladies can be at their best against Germany, they will definitely qualify for the next stage,†he said.
—Sunday Akintoye