BY GRACE CHIRUMANZU
The Young Mighty Warriors head off next to Nigeria’s Ogun State riding the crest of a wave.
The national Under-20 women’s soccer side recently made light work of Mozambique, thumping their neighbour 7-0 in the first round of the FIFA World Cup qualifier. But Nigeria are not Mozambique, or are they?
This is what the Langton Giwa-coached side will help us find out when the two sides face-off in the second round of the same tournament on Saturday, 31 March. Having participated in all five World Cups since 2002, the Super Falconets are not an ordinary opposition.
They were the first African nation to reach the finals of the prestigious event – losing 0-2 to hosts, Germany, two years ago. Giwa’s charges will be under-dogs when they march onto the turf at the weekend. But that does not mean that they cannot twist the scales.
The West Africans are taking this game seriously, having set up a two week training camp in Abuja that continues in Abeokuta this week, under the guidance of newly-appointed coach, Kadiri Ikhana. History says he led Enyimba Football Club to their maiden CAF Champions League victory in 2003.
The Zimbabweans have no international experience to brag about – both on the bench and within the lines, but the talent displayed by Rufaro Machingura, Emmaculate Msipa and Rutendo Makore has raised hopes.
“It will be a tough match,” said assistant coach, Sithethelelwe Sibanda. “Nigeria are experienced and they know what they want, but we have also prepared well and the girls know how tough this is going to be. I believe they are also mentally prepared.”
While the Zimbabweans were celebrating their more than half a dozen goals over Mozambique, Nigeria were enjoying the comfort of easing through, after Sierra Leone pulled out for financial challenges.
Germany, Italy, Norway and Switzerland (UEFA); Japan (host), North Korea, China and
Korea Republic (AFC); and Argentina and Brazil (CONMEBOL) have already qualified for the global showcase.
The Young Mighty Warriors are seeking to occupy the two slots for African teams, as eight compete in the second round (between 30 March and 15 April). The third round is set for May 4-20.
The Young Mighty Warriors head off next to Nigeria’s Ogun State riding the crest of a wave.
The national Under-20 women’s soccer side recently made light work of Mozambique, thumping their neighbour 7-0 in the first round of the FIFA World Cup qualifier. But Nigeria are not Mozambique, or are they?
This is what the Langton Giwa-coached side will help us find out when the two sides face-off in the second round of the same tournament on Saturday, 31 March. Having participated in all five World Cups since 2002, the Super Falconets are not an ordinary opposition.
They were the first African nation to reach the finals of the prestigious event – losing 0-2 to hosts, Germany, two years ago. Giwa’s charges will be under-dogs when they march onto the turf at the weekend. But that does not mean that they cannot twist the scales.
The West Africans are taking this game seriously, having set up a two week training camp in Abuja that continues in Abeokuta this week, under the guidance of newly-appointed coach, Kadiri Ikhana. History says he led Enyimba Football Club to their maiden CAF Champions League victory in 2003.
The Zimbabweans have no international experience to brag about – both on the bench and within the lines, but the talent displayed by Rufaro Machingura, Emmaculate Msipa and Rutendo Makore has raised hopes.
“It will be a tough match,” said assistant coach, Sithethelelwe Sibanda. “Nigeria are experienced and they know what they want, but we have also prepared well and the girls know how tough this is going to be. I believe they are also mentally prepared.”
While the Zimbabweans were celebrating their more than half a dozen goals over Mozambique, Nigeria were enjoying the comfort of easing through, after Sierra Leone pulled out for financial challenges.
Germany, Italy, Norway and Switzerland (UEFA); Japan (host), North Korea, China and
Korea Republic (AFC); and Argentina and Brazil (CONMEBOL) have already qualified for the global showcase.
The Young Mighty Warriors are seeking to occupy the two slots for African teams, as eight compete in the second round (between 30 March and 15 April). The third round is set for May 4-20.
No comments:
Post a Comment