Ex-Eagles, Falcon coaches laud Falconets' performance

FORMER Super Eagles and Falcon coaches, Joe Erico, Christian Chukwu and Henry Nwosu, have expressed confidence that the team would win their next game with their present performance.

The U-20 Falconets walloped Italy 4-0 in the last Group B match at the ongoing 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. The competition, which began on Aug. 19, is the 7th edition of the tournament and would end on Sept. 8.

 The Falconets finished on top of the group with 7 points, while Korea Republic came second with 4 points.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, the former coaches noted that the players and coaches were committed and motivated to succeed.

'' I am glad that we came out tops in the group stage, although it was not an easy task. Our next game in the next stage will not be an easy hurdle to jump because our next opponent will want to make it a difficult task; but I believe in the coach and his team,’’ Erico, the former Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer said.

He said that the team needed  more support as well as  encouragement from football administrators and enthusiasts.

'' The team needs more of our support. I am not surprised that they won, because they always put up a brilliant performance during this U-20 women's tournament.''

Also, Nwosu, a former assistant coach of the Super Eagles, expressed confidence in the coach and his crew.

``I am very certain the coach and his girls will make the country proud as they will all go out to get a win. I am happy about our win, especially with Francesa Ordega's hat trick, giving the team the zeal to put more.

''Osarenoma Igbinovia added one more in the 86th minute and gave us assurance to qualify into the next round. We will meet Mexicoin the next stage but whoever we meet, I know they are going to give us a run for our money.

'' I am certain that we will put up another brilliant performance as we did to Italy.  The confidence level is high enough to go all the way for a win and they need more encouragement from fans."

Another former coach, Christian Chukwu, expressed satisfaction with the performance, describing it as "wonderful''.

" Our girls are going to go far and I believe that they will get to the final with this performance. They should not, however, relax or allow this to get to their heads because more hurdles are still ahead," he said.

For former Head Coach of the Super Falcons, Paul Hamilton, it was a superb performance.

"I was astonished with the display on the pitch; it was a good game. I pray that they remain focused in the game. And hope they have a good frame of mind as I hope that they get to the finals with such display they put today. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should show more interest to organise more sponsors for them. They are girls with potential and can bring back Nigeria's glory in  football," Hamilton said.