Watch Your Back: Chiejine Tells Falconets

Former Super Falcons’goalkeeper, Ann Agumanu-Chiejine has advised the Falconets to tighten their defence if they want to go far in the ongoing Japan 2012 FIFA U-20 Women World Cup.

The Falconets were yesterday forced to 1-1 draw in their second group match against Brazil, as the ‘Samba Girls’ scored their equaliser  through a defensive blunder committed by Falconets’ right back in the 88th minute of the match.

Chiejine, an assistant coach of the Falcons, wants coach Edwin Okon to work on Falconets’ defence to forestall what happened against Brazil in their next match against Italy on Sunday.

She added that the Falconets should not give room for their opponents to exploit the weakness they showed in their defence.

“Our girls tried their best against Brazil, but the right back was found wanting. I hope the technical crew will find an urgent solution to this weakness before their next matches.

“I believe the Italian must have watched Falconets video over and over again in a bid to find ways to penetrate the Nigerian defence. If nothing is done to plug the loophole, they will make good use of the lapses”, Chiejine warned.

She, however, singled out youngster, Esther Sunday, for special praises following her contribution against Brazil.

“I could recall when she first joined us at the national team. She was so small physically but you could see in the two matches she has played that she has a big heart.

“She was one of the best players in our match against the South Koreans, and I am very pleased with her inputs against Brazil. I’m sure  that she will be one of the stars of this championship,” Chiejine said.

—Bamidele Olowosagba