EXPLAINING THE SUPER FALCONS BONUS BROUHAHA

Once again, Nigeria were the focus of global attention at a major tournament for the long reasons after the Super Falcons staged a sit-in protest to demand payment of outstanding bonuses.

After their defeat by Germany on Saturday night, the players met and demanded payment of their outstanding bonuses, some dating back to 2016.

By morning, and following meetings with the NFF officials who were with them in France, Aisha Falode and Suleiman Kwande, the players boarded their buses to the airport.

WHAT WAS BEING OWED?

According to the players, they wanted outstanding payment of two match bonuses. The first was from a home game against Senegal in 2016 and the second was another home game, this time against Gambia in 2018.

This was in addition to the daily allowance for the five additional days they spent in France, as well as their 30 percent share of the $1 million participation fee from FIFA.

The main bone of contention were those bonuses from 2016 and 2018. According to the players, they were due N1million for each game for a total of N2million, but were only paid half.

WHAT DOES THE NFF SAY?

The NFF agrees that the players were paid N1m and argue that that is exactly what they are due and not N2 million.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick says the confusion arises out of players expected thatchy were to be paid in US dollars, but under the foreign exchange restrictions of the current administration, that is no longer the case as even the Super Eagles are being paid in Naira for home games

“As far as we are concerned that is a non issue as the bonuses have been paid. The problem is that the players wanted to be paid bonuses for home matches in dollars, but that is no longer the rule under this current government.”

In effect, the players were calculating the amount based on US dollars while the NFF paid in naira.

As to their share of the FIFA participation fee, Pinnick says that will be paid once the NFF receives payment from FIFA, which would not be until after the tournament, around September.

The camp allowances for the five additional days as well as the $4000 match bonus for their win over South Korea are expected to be paid on Monday.

SO WHAT WAS ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?

It all comes down to mistrust and miscommunication. For one, it should have been made clear to the players that their home bonuses are not just in naira, but also the exact rate when converted into naira.

The players thought they were due N2million (perhaps from using black market conversion rates), while the NFF had it as N1million.

Second, trust issues remain as the players do not seem to believe that they will be paid unless they make a right stink. Apparently, some of their colleagues from that 2016 team had not received their money.

However, the issues have now been resolved, the air has been cleared and the players are expected back in Nigeria on Monday.

FALCONS STAGE SIT-IN PROTEST OVER BONUSES

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are refusing to leave their hotel in France until all of their outstanding bonuses are paid.

The team, who lost 3-0 to Germany on Saturday, say they will not leave until the monies have been paid. According to the players, they are being owed bonuses from two games against Gambia and Senegal from as far back as two years ago amounting to N2million 

“They paid us N1million and said that is all. We want them to pay the balance. And they are also owing us five days daily allowance here in France,” one player told me.

The players are also demanding their share of the World Cup participation fee from FIFA, even though that will not be paid by FIFA till September.

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This is the second time in three years that Nigeria’s women will stage bonus protests. After winning the 2016 African title in Cameroon, the squad returned home and staged a public demonstration on the streets of the capital Abuja to demand payment of their outstanding allowances.

That demonstration led to the firing of the team’s coach and a lack of activity for the squad for a full year.

Prior to that, they sat in for three days at their hotel in South Africa after winning the same title in 2004 until the allowances were settled.

AFTER THAILAND LIFELINE, FALCONS MUST NOW PROVE METTLE

Thomas Dennerby must plot a way past Germany for the Super Falcons

It was close, very close. And the spontaneous outbreak of tearful jubilation that swept through the Super Falcons hotel at the final whistle of the Chile v Thailand game which sent them to the round of 16, was proof positive that the girls knew how lucky they were.

And so for the first time since that legendary class of 99 made it out of the group stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nigeria have once again made it oit, but only by the skin of their teeth.

Nigerians celebrated with the team, but there was still a feeling on social media among fans that this squad were lucky and do not quite have what it takes to advance any yfurther. Especially in the light of the opposition that lies in wait for them: Germany.

Unlike the current iteration, the Class of 99 did not have to depend on others to advance. They did it all on their own, with wins against Denmark and North Korea, two sides immensely stronger than the South Korea that this side scraped past in a 16 team tournament.

Their only group loss was to a rampant USA, who tore them a new one. Buttheir quarterfinal game against Brazil was one for the ages. One where they came from a three-goal deficit to tie 3-3 only to lose to a superb Sissi free kick in extra time.

It was on the strength of those performance that the Super Falcons earned the respect of Nigerians, made their way into conversations, became legends and paved the way for the generations following them, including the current team.

At the time, all of the players in that squad played in the domestic league and did not have the exposure of playing abroad that the current team has. They were also coached by Ismaila Mabo, a local.

Twenty years on, 16 of the 23 players in the current side play professional football outside Nigeria, with more exposure and more knowledge of the players they face.

But in three group games so far, the team have not quite played with the same verve, speed and cohesion of their predecessors. They best game was against France, when they bunkered down, went narrow to close up spaces and tried to hit on the counter.

It was still largely disjointed, but they were one controversial penalty decision away from making it work. And for all the direness of the aesthetics, that deserves it’s own kind of credit.

Now they have been handed a lifeline into the knockout stages, it I time for this team to bring out the talent that they so clearly have. It is time for them to show the experience they have garnered playing in some of the best leagues in the world. It is the for them to show the character developed from playing against some of the best players in the world in England, USA, Sweden, Norway, China and even as far as Australia.

Saturday will be the day that this team either join that Class of 99 in the pantheon of legends, or end up as a footnote of players who had so much talent and experience, but failed to deliver.

Germany may have won their group with a perfect record of 9 points but they are not the terrifying juggernaut who reached and won consecutive World Cup Finals in 2003 and 2007.

That performance against France one of the strongest teams in the world, provides a template, if not a pathway for how to approach and beat Germany.

Their tactics must be spot on, but beyond that, they must go into theme with a desire and determination to win. Losing gallantly may be acceptable but it will not make legends of them. It will not galvanise a country around them. It will not change the narrative of their story.

What will do all of that, and start them on the road to legend, is a win against Germany. They ave the talent to do it. All they need now is the belief, and the execution.

TACTICAL IMPROVEMENTS, DENNERBY’S SIN AND OTHER TAKES FROM NIGERIA’S LOSS TO FRANCE

Onome Ebi arrives to defend

Wendy Renard converted a penalty on the second try to hand France a slim and hard-fought 1-0 victory on Monday in Rennes.

First VAR ruled correctly that Ngozi Ebere had clattered into Vivianne Asseyi and the penalty kick was awarded. But after Renard saw her shot skim off the left upright and away to safety, VAR ruled that Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie had one foot marginally off the line and a retake was ordered. The French defender made no mistake at the second time of asking.

The result means Nigeria, who could have qualified with a result, will now have to depend on other results going their way to advance to the knockout phase.

Beyond the result however, there was noticeable improvement in the both the team’s tactics and in many aspects of their execution.

Time to unpack

MARKED IMPROVEMENT

There were ominous signs after the last game when Thomas Dennerby claimed in his post match reaction that his players made no mistakes. This, after a game that was riddled with errors despite the win.

So it came as something of a relief that the coach named a starting lineup with one tweak that attempted to address those issues, with the conservative Halimatu Ayinde starting in place of the more offensive Chinaza Uchendu.

It worked, as there was more stability early on in midfield, the team kept he ball a bit better than their past two games and looked much more disciplined in closing down players and blocking off passing lanes.

They still gave the ball away way too often, with the commentator remarking that they turned the ball over 47 times in the opening 26 minutes!

Veteran midfielder Rita Chikwelu was the most guilty party, continually attempting long balls and Hollywood passes when simple balls would have been better. B ut many of the other players dod not help either, with leaden touches allowing the ball to get away from them time after time.

The fact that forward Asisat Oshoala looked slightly off colour did not help matters. It appeared she had hamstring issues and struggled to either keep hold o the ball or turn on her trademark afterburners.

In defence, Onome Ebi was at the heart of an immensely heroic performance from the back four and teenage goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie provided proof not just of a bright future, but a glowing present.

It was a tactically strong performance overall and must be considered a shame that the ladies did not come away with the point their performance deserved.

DENNERBY GETS IT RIGHT, AND WRONG

As mentioned above, for all of his public protestations of his players not putting a foot wrong in their last game, Dennerby saw the problem and tried to fix it, first with personnel and then the player shape and decision-making.

The decision to put Desire Oparanozie on Renard at bought ends of the pitch, restricted the French defenders’s contribution. And playing narrow forced them to work harder than they expected to funnel their attacks centrally.

However, Dennerby’s slip was in not recognizing when to make two key substitutions. Oshoala finally pulled up with what looked like hamstring trouble. It was clear almost from the beginning that she was struggling g with it but Dennerby kept her on till late when she should have gone off well under the hour. Half time, if possible.

In midfield, Chikwelu’s turnovers were killing the team and a replacement was needed to stabilize things. By the end of the game, the Falcons were pinned in their half because there was no outlet.

It is understandable that with one player short, the Swede would want to take as much time as possible before deploying his personnel, but taking all that pressure from a broken down midfield was bound to lead to trouble. Eventually, it did. Ngozi Ebere giving away a penalty kick and getting a second yellow card.

Thomas Dennerby whistles for attention

CHIKWELU’S SUSPENSION, BLESSING IN DISGUISE?

If Nigeria do get through, they will be without Chikwelu after the midfielder picked up a booking late in the game.

While losing such an experienced player would be a big loss, especially in the knockout phase of the competition, her passing completion stats and the number of times plays break down at her feet has led Twitter user @charlesntima to suggest that the loss could just be a blessing in disguise.

Chikwelu is an experienced campaigner, and that disguised blessing might two-pronged. The first being that her replacement might do a better job of bringing stability like Ayinde did. Or that watching from the stands might give her a better appreciation of what she is doing wrong which would help down the line.

THAT RE-TAKEN PENALTY AND LITTLE DETAILS (FROM TWITTER USERS)

@niyiomotayo comment on the re-taken penalty was one of my selections of the lot and here goes

“Little details matter. Whoever is responsible for goalkeeping coaching probably regrets not relaying (clearly) the new rules to Nnadozie. Perhaps the responsible person isn’t aware him(her)self. Who ensures this among the coaching staff? Change management”

Good point Niyi. Knowing that these rule changes would go into effect on June 1, the players should not just have been made aware of the changes (they were) but also made to practice it during their friendlies and scrimmages.

The USA did exactly that, making the new rules applicable in their friendlies building up to the World Cup.

@SfortheCulture 

The Super Falcons can’t merely rely on counter attack. They need better ball control and first touches. They need to be more strategic when winning th eball on 50/50 chances and play into space

@Cerebrone

It looks like the areas that need improvement are not areas that can be fixed in a few days, with just a handful of training sessions. That’s the deeper problem. Perhaps, the short-term solution might be to tailor the tactics to the specific opponent we meet

YOUNG GUNS SHOW UP BUT OLD MISTAKES CONTINUE AS NIGERIA STAY ALIVE WORLD CUP

Captain Desire Oparanozie celebrates a first win for Nigeria at the IFA Women's world Cup since 2011

On Wednesday, Nigeria’s Super Falcons gave themselves a lifeline in their quest to break free of the first round of the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in 20 years with a 2-0 victory over South Korea.

The win revived flagging spirits, and there is now more positivity about the final group game against France.

As always, there were a few things to unpack from the victory, so here goes 

YOUNG GUNS SHOW UP

By the end of the game, the Super Falcons had three 18-year-olds and one 21-year old on the pitch, and they all came to the party. In their own big ways.

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie started ahead of the more experienced Tochi Oluehi and one would have been hard-pressed to believe it was her first World Cup. Confident, nimble, aware and boasting reflexes sharp as a razor, not to mention her good hands. She made save after save al game, including on 87 minutes when Yeo Minji turned inside three Nigeria defenders and shot low and hard. Nnadozie was quick to get down and smother the shot.

Her one mistake was parrying the ball into the path of Lee Geummin to slot home. Thankfully, the Korean was offside and the goal was chalked off.

Chidinma Okeke, the other starting 18 year old, has turned heads since coming in as replacement for the injured Faith Michael. She was solid against Norway, and took it up a notch against Korea, battling hard, bombing forward and providing the perfect weighted pass for Asisat Oshoala to round the keeper and give Nigeria a second goal. There are still rough edges around her game, but the tools are there and improvements will come with more games and more exposure.

Substitue Anam Imo replaced Francesca Ordega and brought all the energy of an 18 year old to the pitch, chasing lost causes and tracking like her life depended on it.

The oldest of the young guns was 21-year-old Uchenna Kanu, on for Oshoala late in the game and her contribution to keeping the Koreans honest quelled any ambitions the Asians had of mounting a late siege.

OLD MISTAKES CONTINUE

It was a win, right? Yes. We take it and move on to the next. But to watch the game the first time and then again gives cause for pause as all the troubling old errors continue to peek out.

When Thomas Dennerby reviews the game tape, his first thought has definitely go to be “Where the h**l do I start from??!!”

However, reading his quotes (see below) from the post match conference has got to be cause for worry. Serious worry.

The mistakes were so many that they need to be broken down into different subheadings

Panicked clearances

In defence, continuous panicked clearances and a shocking reluctance, or just plain inability to play the ball out of defence led to the Koreans winning the ball back almost instantly each time. 

That the Falcons did not concede was mostly down to Nnadozie’s heroics and desperate, last ditch body-on-the-line blocks. After all those shots, these ladies need to go check up on their wombs post tournament. 

There are times when it is just safer to make a short pass away from danger rather than trying to blast it, straight into the body of an opposition player. There needs to be more intelligence about the defending. Seriously.

Passing breakdowns

There is nothing more painful to watch than a team that cannot pass the football. And the super Falcons cannot. For most of the game, they could not string three passes together. I kid you not.

By the time they got to the third pass, the play either broke down, or they launched a long ball forward to the strikers which ended up with the opposition. It was pathetic. And that is being charitable.

Blind shooting

Time after time, the players kept shooting without looking, especially the midfielders. The moment they got anywhere around the box, the first instinct was always to shoot, even if there was forest of bodies in front and teammates in space. Credit to Oshoala and Desire Oparanozie, they always peeled wide whenever the other players got into those positions but hardly ever got service. One particular moment stood out. Ngozi Okobi arrived at the top of the box around the hour mark, the two forwards immediately drifted wide and unmarked. But rather than pass to them, she shot into a posse of Korean defenders. Naturally, the shots either ended up blocked or off on a trip to Mars.

Uncoordinated pressing

Pressing is as much a skill as any other in football. And if a team must press, they have to do so well and as a unit. The Super Falcons did not do either. They pressed on the wrong side, timed their approach wrong, and allowed the Koreans to simply pass their way around them, leaving the Nigerian girls chasing after them and expending more energy than they should. And they did not do it as a team, which made life a tin easier for the opposition. 

Thomas Dennerby has got to sort this side out out, and quickly.

Failed Tackles

One can almost count the number of successful tackles the Falcons made on one hand. A leprous hand, that is. It was worse for second balls. Because they were always so badly positioned and missed their timings, getting to the ball was always a problem. The Koreans were quicker to those balls, judged them better and moved them around faster. No surprise that the match stats weighed heavily in favour of the losers. They had 58 percent ball possession, 82 percent pass accuracy in their favour and 518 total passes to the Nigerians 271!

Constructing plays

There was no evidence that the Nigerians were constructing plays that would lead to goalscoring opportunities. The idea seemed to be to simply launch it forward and allow Asisat and Oparanozie to use their strength and pace to get in behind and shoot. It worked twice. They won. So there’s that.

However, this team is much too talented for such basic, easily countered tactics. They need to move the ball around, spread the play, cut back, whip in crosses, heck, even try to play combinations in the box!

Route one worked against an inferior opposition. Won’t be quite so successful against top sides.

“Today our discipline was better than against Norway – no mistakes at all. If we can be as compact as we were today, don’t let teams overplay us in midfield and find passes through, we know we’ll get opportunities for players like Asisat. The players followed our match plan and that’s all you can really ask. Now we go to play France, a really good team. If we can come out with a point everyone would be extremely happy. But you can’t just go to defend – you need to know what to do when you win the ball back. And hopefully we can have a little bit of success.” - Thomas Dennerby, Nigeria coach

GOOD THINGS TOO

It was not all bad. Honest.

There were many good thing the ladies did. 

For all the problems with the defence, one of the major reasons for the clean sheet was the centre backs’ positional play. Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale were always quick to read the play and get in position to make key blocks and interceptions. They will need some serious massage to get through the pain of taking all those shots to the body.

Then there was the aforementioned Okeke. For a youngster, her ability and reading of the play are excellent as are her defensive strengths. Only minus would be her distribution but the kid is 18, so she gets a pass. Especially after that perfect weighted ball for Oshoala.

The breakaways were also - for the most part - executed quite well. If not for a heavy second touch from Oshoala (and the way she covered her face after, says it all) Nigeria would have had a third goal after Halimatu Ayinde picked her out with another perfect ball, this time on the opposite channel.

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN

Holding midfielders must “hold”

First things first. Someone needs to take responsibility for keeping the ball, even if the tactic is to cede possession. At least when they have the ball. Not giving it away cheaply.

The major reason for those embarrassing possession and passing (in)accuracy numbers was because the two holding midfielders (Rita Chikwelu and Chinaza Uchendu) were not exactly “holding”.

They constantly strayed too far away from the play and kept trying ambitious balls upfront.

This has to stop. One or both of them need to play the Mikel Obi role, maintaining ball circulation by dropping back to pick it up, and very importantly, be constantly available as an outlet for every player who has the ball. The other should also be close by in support on the other side.

An example of this gap was around the 80th minute, just before she was subbed when Oshoala intercepted a ball in the middle, held it up waiting for support. When none came, she passed blindly and it went straight to a Korean.

When the midfielders get the ball, they also need to keep it simple with short passes to the nearest person and leave the ambitious balls to the more advanced midfielder, Ngozi Okobi.

At 31, Chikwelu may not quite have the legs to do all that running, but she can pass a football. It might be a good idea for Dennerby to switch her up with Okobi.

Construct plays upfront that play to the strengths of the forwards

Play to the strengths of our forwards! 

Oparanozie is a great attacker of crossed balls. Deliver good, whipped crosses to the box for her to get her head onto. She is clinically accurate and also has the strength and skill to hold up defenders and link up play.  

Asisat Oshoala scores for Nigeria

Oshoala is quick and strong. She showed it in scoring that second goal. Play good balls in behind the defence for her to chase. But not all the time. Mostly when she can isolate a defender or two. Or play her balls out wide where she can deliver whipped balls to Oparanozie.

Tackle and win second balls

Players need to learn how to tackle, improve their timing and get goal side of the opposition. Running after balls when the players have turned and long gone is mostly expending energy.

To be clear, while he still has a lot to answer for, these issues go beyond Dennerby. Some of these are things that need to be taught over and over from a young age until they become ingrained muscle memory.

These were the same issues with u20 and u17. Even the Super Eagles are no exception and are sometimes guilty of the same troubles, but theirs is masked by the combination of outstanding individual talent and years of playing at a high level in Europe.

In the meantime, enjoy a first World Cup victory since 2011.

ROHR’S AXE, IHEANACHO AND OTHER MATTERS

Kelechi Iheanacho has been shut out of the Super Eagles

Such has been the consistency of Gernot Rohr’s squad and team selection that there was next to no surprise when his final 23-man squad list for the African Cup of Nations was released.

And while Semi Ajayi’s cut may have stirred a flutter of emotion from fans, the axing of Kelechi Iheanacho, expected as it was, cut to the quick.

It has been less than four years ago since the forward made a blistering start to his senior international career. Since then, his club fortunes have taken a nosedive. Offloaded by Manchester City, Iheanacho’s career at Leicester City has stalled to the point of stagnation.

For the first time ever, he was left out of the Nigeria squad for games last March, and suffered a public chiding by the Nigeria manager.

Even when he was called up to the current squad it was little more than a token recognition, and after he failed to feature in the friendly against Zimbabwe, it was clear that the deed was done.

From the high of being one of the most talented players of his generation, perhaps a future leader around which the team could be built, Iheanacho finds himself cut from the Nations Cup squad, and replaced by Paul Onuachu and Victor Osimhen.

It is a rude awakening for the forward, if he will take the lessons. Rohr agreed that he spoke to the striker, but declined to say what was discussed

“I speak to the players but our conversations are confidential,” he told me.

It is clear however, that whatever the conversation was, it would have involved pulling up his socks and knuckling down for next season. Moving clubs, if necessary and possible.

For a player of his talent and potential to fall so low in such a short time is as shocking as it is unacceptable.

Kelechi’s failure is not his alone. It is also Nigeria’s failure. To put it in perspective, Christian Pulisic is the poster boy for the future of the US national team. After a successful spell at Borussia Dortmund, he will now join Chelsea where his growth trajectory is projected to continue to stay on the upward curve.

While it can be a dangerous pastime trying to predict the future (Freddy Adu, anyone?), Pulisic’s foundational grounding and management means he is more likely to hit his expected heights than Iheanacho or most other African talent.

Looking at the bigger picture, the same basic foundational issues that afflict the likes of Iheanacho (a leaden first touch, amongst other things) was also on exhibition when the Flying Eagles stank up the joint at the FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Poland, and when the Super Falcons let in three goals against Norway at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

These are all symptoms of a much bigger malaise, one that needs immediate surgery and reconstruction. 

At the moment, there is too much of a dependence on the hit or miss approach. It is time to start taking a more structured approach to both identifying, developing and grooming talent for the long haul.

It is the only way we can avoid seeing a major talent gradually slink into oblivion, or two (and more) national teams display disgraceful performances at the international stage.

Otherwise, the only way is down.

ZONAL MARKING FAILURES AND OTHER TAKEAWAYS FROM NORWAY’S LASHING OF SUPER FALCONS

Norway handed Nigeria a 17th Women’s World Cup LOS on the back of three quickfire first half goals on Saturday.

Guro Reiten scored in the 17th minute as the Super Falcons failed to deal with a corner kick, and Lisa-Marie Utland made it two 17 minutes later when she flashed a fierce shot past goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi from close range.

The African champions were overwhelmed in the encounter and this showed as defender Osinachi Ohale put the ball into her own net in an attempt to steer the ball away as the Scandinavians again threatened from the left side of the Nigerian defence.

Asisat Oshoala rounded the goalkeeper late in the second half but with no support, skewed her shot into the side netting.

Here are some takeaways from the game

ZONAL MARKING DOESN'T WORK

First, let’s get the obvious out of the way. Whoever told Thomas Dennerby to plump for zonal marking at cornerkicks needs to un-tell him.

It is a difficult tactical plan to execute even under the best of circumstances, and with players who have spent months coming to grips with it. Our girls simply did not look not equipped to do the thinking on the fly that comes with trying to deal with that approach and it showed in the first goal.

Because everyone was so focused on staying in their zones, no one stepped up to challenge the short corner kick. By the time they realized the danger, it was too late and a crowded box makes for some unpleasant outcomes, as it happened.

They didn’t give up anything, at least not much in the second half, but it was still touch and go. And against France, who have the tallest defender in the tournament, that would be courting disaster.

It can’t be too far fetched to imagine the French looking at the game and rubbing their hands in glee.

BASICS LACKING

With that said, it is easier to list to a serial criminal’s rap sheet than the amount of things wrong with the Super Falcons play, especially in that first half.

Their passing was so tawdry, one can count how many times they completed three passes in a row on one hand.

Their touch, for the most part was about as good as Godzilla trying to control a felele ball. And they kept turning the ball over, especially in dangerous areas because they could not live with the high press from the Norwegians. When they did get forward, service to Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala was criminally inadequate. As for the crossed balls, the least said about those the better. 

Leaves one wondering what exactly Dennerby was working on all those days in training camp.

Admittedly, the basics should not be taught at national camp, but at least dealing with pressing is as much tactical as foundational. And delivering decent crossed balls should not be rocket science?

Dennerby has a lot of work to do. It is doubtful if a few days will be enough to resolve them. The good news however, must be that second half performance, which provided both positive and negative takeaways. 

On the one hand, restricting Norway to virtually nothing in 45 minutes is a good look. On the flip side, the fact that failed to create anything of note of their own is a monumental worry.

INDIVIDUAL ERRORS

As much as the coach needs to take the blame for much of the issues that afflicted the team, the players also have to take responsibility. They committed kindergarten errors all over the park. Faith Michael was too easily beaten for the cornerkick leading to the first goal. A failure to track back and contest balls, not to mention defenders being hopelessly out of position led to the second and Tochi Oluehi’s poor clearout to the opposition saw the ball come back to her for the third goal.

The midfield of Rita Chikwelu and Ngozi Okobi practically ghosted their way through the entire game and just could not maintain possession. Michael had to be subbed off injured after her second collision with goalkeeper Oluehi. That was just horribly poor positioning and lack of communication. And her replacement, the youngster Okeke could defend, but her passing was all o er the place. Francisca Ordega towered over everyone else in effort and application. But she was a lone wolf. Dennerby has a lot of work to do to fix his squad.

THREE KEYS TO SUCCESS FOR SUPER FALCONS IN FRANCE

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are one of an elite group of only 7 nations to have played in each and every FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament since inception in 1991.

Brazil, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden and the United States make up the rest of that rarefied group. Of that lot, Nigeria are the only team never to have made it past the quarterfinals.

It has been 20 years since the Super Falcons made their first and only escape from the group stage, and as they head into the 2019 tournament, there are expectations that they at least match that performance.

To do so, however, they have a couple of demons to overcome

MENTALITY

That 99 team was fuelled by determination. A mentality that they could win and that they had to win. The top eight sides at that World Cup would qualify for the 2000 Olympic Games and so they were determined not just to make the next round, but to qualify for the Olympic Games.

But first, they head to negotiate a difficult pool where they had been drawn with hosts and favourites USA, Scandinavian powerhouses Denmark and the emergent North Korea. Two wins - against Denmark and Korea - punched that quarterfinal ticket.

This team must also play with the same mentality. For too long, the Super Falcons have lost games before even stepping on the green grass, intimidated by the names and profile of their opposition. 

As a result, once they concede goals, their heads drop and finding a path to victory becomes all but impossible.

Now, they must shed that inferiority complex and go into every game with a winning mentality, a refusal to be intimidated by name, profile or crowd. They must confer on each other a mental strength borne of confidence in their own abilities and the work they have done to get this far. Norway  are beatable. Korea are beatable. France are beatable.

It starts in the mind.

TACTICAL AWARENESS

Previously, the Falcons have been out-coached and outfoxed from the bench. The USA and European nations especially, have found joy moving the ball around and then switching play with diagonal balls that would leave the African champions flummoxed.

Thomas Dennerby’s appointment was made largely with the aim of countering that.

Since taking over, the Swede has slowly implemented a change in the team shape, getting them to play more narrower and much closer to each other. While his attempts to create more cohesive play has not quite hit the mark, there were signs that they were getting there.

Goals were hard to come by at the African Women Nations Cup as forward’s Asisat Oshoala and Desire Oparanozie struggled.

But the players looked to have come back into form, and have been joined by the quick and clinical Uchenna Kalu. If they can get good supplies from behind, that fierce pace and power should count for something.

SET PIECES

Speaking of tactics, setpieces have always been the team’s Achilles heel, at both ends of the pitch. In that 99 quarterfinal, a freekick from Sissi in extra time condemned the Nigerians to a 4-3 defeat.

Since then, they have struggled to defend dead balls, just like their men counterparts.

Dennerby should hopefully have seen to that in his preparation, especially after seeing France’s abilities at those sorts of positions.

Their first consideration should be to cut out the fouls. Right or wrong, Nigeria have a reputation as a physical side at the Women’s World Cup. This means they hardly get the benefit of the doubt in any coming together. They need to play smart and minimize giving away free kicks in potentially dangerous positions. 

When they do give them away, the defending must be absolutely on point. This is where Onome Ebi and Tochi Oluehi need to direct traffic in the area. 

It will still be difficult times, but there has never been a better time to join that team of 99 in the Book of Legend.

Akide, Shirley to be inducted into Milligan College Athletic Hall of Fame

Mercy in Nigeria colours

MILLIGAN COLLEGE, Tenn. (July 27, 2015) – Mercy Akide and Marty Shirley, for their achievements both as soccer players and as coaches, will be inducted into the Milligan College Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 23, as part of the college's annual Homecoming festivities. Akide played for the Buffs in a record-breaking 1999 season and later went on to achieve success at the international level. Shirley played four years for the Buffs in a record-breaking career from 1987 to 1990 and later returned to Milligan as a coach for five successful seasons from 2001 to 2005.

Akide, from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, holds three Milligan soccer records: goals in a single game (7), goals in a single season (42) and points in a single season (99). Her 42 goals in 1999 helped Milligan record its winningest season in the history of the soccer program as the team went 19-2-1 and was undefeated in the Tennessee Valley Athletic Conference at 5-0.

A communications major, Akide came to Milligan with previous experience at the professional soccer level. Akide continued her professional career with appearances in three FIFA Women's World Cups: Sweden in 1995 and USA in 1999 and 2003. Akide also competed in the Olympic Games in Sydney (2000) and Athens (2004). In all five international appearances, Akide represented her native Nigeria.

After her Milligan career, Akide played one season with the Hampton Roads Piranhas of the W-League then moved to California where she competed for the San Diego Spirit of the Women's United Soccer Association. With the Spirit, she became the first African woman Player of the Year.

In 2003, Akide rejoined Hampton Roads where she spent three seasons adding to her Hall of Fame resume. In her first season back with the Piranhas, Akide won the league's Most Valuable Player award after scoring the winning goal in the National Championship game. She was later named by FIFA as one of its 15 Ambassadors.

Following her playing days, Akide became a coach and youth development director for various U-16 and U-13 teams in the United States. Akide was inducted into the United Soccer Leagues' Hall of Fame in 2013.

Akide, who was on the cover of the 1999 Women's World Cup official program, married Colin Udoh in 2004. They currently reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with two children.

Shirley came to Milligan in 1987 from St. Petersburg, Florida, and Gibbs Senior High School ('87) before playing four years for the Buffs. He scored 13 goals and registered five assists in his freshman season on the way to 37 career goals and 16 career assists (90 points). Shirley's career marks for goals and points stood as school records until Dalan Telles broke them in the 2001 season. Shirley's mark for career assists stood until they were broken by Nahom Takle in 2012.

In the Milligan uniform, Shirley played alongside several other previous record holders and prominent goal-scorers such as Eric Unold, Christopher Dotson and Brian Marsh.

Shirley graduated from Milligan in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education and health, including a minor in Bible, and went on to East Tennessee State University, where he received a Master of Arts degree in sports management ('02).

Before coming back to his alma mater, Shirley taught physical education at Central Christian School in St. Petersburg for second, fifth and sixth graders, and he taught health for sixth graders. Additionally, Shirley coached local soccer clubs such as Largo United, the Azalea Eagles, the Northeast Raiders, and the Clearwater Charges.

Shirley returned to Milligan in 2001 as the men's soccer coach from 2001 to 2005 while coaching the women in the 2002 season. During his five-year coaching span with the Milligan men, Shirley led the Buffs to four winning seasons, including a 15-win season in 2001. Among those coached by Shirley are Hall of Fame inductees Donald Onyango (2005) and Bianca Spoto (2013), and he helped recruit fellow class of 2015 inductee Mercy Akide.

Shirley coached the 2002 women's soccer team to an 18-5 (8-1 AAC) record and the program's fourth conference title.

Shirley currently lives with his wife, Heidi Sue Clouse Shirley, who is also a Milligan graduate ('93), and their daughters, Nicole Fu Lin Shirley (11) and Kylie Meng Rose Shirley (7) in Clermont, Florida.

Milligan's Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1993 to honor outstanding athletes, coaches, and other significant participants in the athletics program of Milligan. Akide and Shirley, who follow last year's class of Megan Aldridge Harmon and Ryan Starr, will be the 79th and 80th members to be inducted.
 

Super Falcons go into lockdown

Time to put away the smiles and bring the game face on for Super Falcons

With hours to go before their opening FIFA Women's World Cup match against Sweden, Nigeria have gone dark.

Super Falcons players are among some of the most visible on social networks. The likes of star player Asisat Oshoala, fellow forwards Desire Oparanozie, Ini Umotong and  Courtney Dike as well as defender Onome Ebi among many who are especially active on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

But just over 24 hours to their big showdown, the players were asked to turn in all mobile devices, as they focus on the task at hand.

Coach Edwin Okon himself has been hesitant about getting a mobile line since arriving in Canada, and has done no interviews outside of the official pre-match conference, where he stunned reporters by saying he knew nothing about Canada

"I don't know anything about them, I'm honest," he said.

Honest he certainly is. Talkative is what he is not, as he hopes his players do their talking on the pitch.

In the meantime, they have been doing a lot of listening.

One thing the squad have now that they didn't have on previous tournaments, is a professional team psychologist. 

Former player and motivational speaker Kasia Muoto has been called home from the USA by the NFF to ensure that the mental preparation enjoys equal prominence as the physical.

After overcoming initial hiccups, players and officials have benefited from her skills, and smashed 8 goals in their first game after she started work.

It is that kind of mental fortitude the Super Falcons will need as they take on the Scandinavians. 

Nigeria last met Sweden at the 2004 Olympic Football tournament, where Mercy Akide's volleyed finish after 25 minutes looked go have set the Super Falcons on their way. 

But Sweden came back with two late goals to claim a group-winning win as both sides advanced to the knockout rounds.

Okon has a crop of young players high on confidence and belief, led by current African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, who was also voted BBC Women's World Player of the Year.

Well-known as the Liverpool forward may be, it will be folly to look only in her direction. Desire Oparanozie is an equally menacing prospect, especially her ability in the air.

And Washington Spirit's Francisca Ordega is one to watch out for to test any keeper from range.

Out back, Onome Ebi packs the experience of three World Cups and one Olympic Games, as does goalkeeper Precious Dede although she has an additional Olympic Games under her belt.

On the bench is the irrepressible Perpetua Nkwocha, at 39, one of the most iconic players to come out of the country and with the goalscoring to match.

Nigeria have a point to prove at this World Cup, with only one second round showing to show from their participation despite being one of only 7 teams to have been at every tournament since inception.

Okon's mishmash of youth and experience is directed at addressing that anomaly.

For a man who talks very little, victory over Sweden will definitely sound a thunderous statement across this year's field.