FIFA Women’s W/Cup: Do not scold Falcons for crashing out, fans urge Nigerians

Some soccer fans have urged Nigerians to commend the Super Falcons, rather than scold them for crashing out of the ongoing 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. The national team was sent out of the tournament after losing 0-1, its third loss in the preliminaries to U.S., in the early hours of Wednesday.


Super Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 Group D match between Sweden and Nigeria at Winnipeg Stadium on June 8, 2015 in Winnipeg, Canada. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP

Falcons in their three matches played in the preliminary round lost two and drew one. in their first match, the Falcons drew 3-3 against Sweden, then lost 0-2 to Australia.

In separate interviews with newsmen in Okitipupa, the enthusiasts commended the “team’s dedication, spirit and superlative performance’’, saying they could have progressed to the crucial stages, if only, they had put in enough effort.

They, however, urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to strive to expose the team’s technical crew to international workshops, ahead major events.

“There is also the need to re-strategise to break the World Cup jinx against a team like the U.S.. Fatai Amoo, a former Super Eagles’ Assistant Coach, described the exit of the Falcons as “unfortunate’’ in spite of their improved performance at the tournament.

He said that the team displayed high level skills, dedication and team spirit throughout the tournament, while urging Nigerians to applaud the team instead of chastising them. Idowu Akinbulumo, General Manager, Ondo State Sports Council who also commended the team urged them to improve on the standard of play in future competitions.

“I think the girls have proved that they are the African Champions, they only need to work more on their current form, I believe they can still get far at future World Cups,’’ she said. Kayode Bamiduro, a football analyst, said the technical crew needs to improve on their expertise.

“I think these girls are in shape, they only need more technical improvements to put them in proper form,’’ he said. Another sport analyst, Oluwatoyin Olafusi also praised the team’s coach, Edwin Okon for having worked hard to get the team to the world Cup.