22nd May, 2012
Coach Kadiri Ikhana, who will today name his squad for the forthcoming AWC qualifier in Harare, says the arrival of Perpetua Nkwocha is a boost to the Super Falcons.
The reigning African Female Footballer of the Year, Nkwocha, and Rita Chikwelu stormed the Super Falcons’ camp on Monday, from their bases in Europe.
“I think Nkwocha will add some bite to Falcons’ attack, and other top players have also joined the team,” he said.
Nkwocha, who plays her club football for Sunnana SK in Sweden, declared herself ready for international duty, starting with the African Women’s Championship, AWC, qualifier against Zimbabwe on Sunday, 27 May.
“I am ready if the coach calls upon me. I have been playing with my club, so I am in good shape,” Nkwocha said.
While expressing disappointment at missing out in the forthcoming Olympic Football tournament, Nkwocha reiterated her belief in the team and the Kadiri Ikhana-led coaching crew.
“We won’t take Zimbabwe for granted but I am confident we will do very well. I still trust in the Falcons and despite what happened in the past, we remain the best in Africa.”
Chikwelu, who also plays her club football in Sweden, with Umea IK, expressed excitement at the prospect of working with Ikhana and said qualifying for the next AWC in Equatorial Guinea and the 2015 FIFA World Cup finals in Canada is what matters now.
“I am also very disappointed that we missed this year’s Olympic Games but we will make up for that by qualifying for Equatorial Guinea and Canada.
“We will be on our toes and play as hard as we can, to make Nigerians happy,” she said.