Nigeria: Oshoala, Dike Hit Falcons Camp
The Super Falcons camp swelled yesterday morning with the arrival of Liverpool Ladies forward Asisat Oshoala and United States based Courtney Dike for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup billed for Canada.
Coach Edwin Okon's ladies continue preparations for the quadrennial female football showpiece after their Mali counterpart pulled out of the Olympics qualifier on Friday.
Oshoala who played all minutes as the Reds lost 1-0 to Notts County in the English Women Premier League on Sunday arrived on Monday night, while Courtney who starred for the Falconets at the U-20 Women's World Cup arrived camp yesterday morning and will be hoping to break into the star studded Super Falcons team.
Both players are expected to took part in the team's training yesterday evening.
In another development, the reigning African Queens will depart for Toronto next Tuesday to fine tune strategies for the World Cup. The Nigeria Football Federation tweeted on their handle.

Ahead W/Cups: Falcons, F/Eagles to sign Code of Conduct.
…as Pinnick returns from medical trip
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, who on Tuesday, returned from a fourweek medical trip to the United Kingdom, yesterday, presided over an Executive Committee Meeting of the federation at which the proposal for national team players and coaches to henceforth sign a Code of Conduct was endorsed.
A communiqué of the sixth meeting of the NFF Executive Committee held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja and made available to our correspondent said the Flying Eagles currently training in Germany for the FIFA U-20 World Cup kicking-off in New Zealand on May 30 and the Super Falcons going for the Women’s World Cup in Canada next month, would be the first to sign the conduct code.
“In the interest of the nation and as a means of regulating the conduct of players and officials representing the country at any point in time, Committee endorsed a proposal for all players and officials of the National Teams to sign a Code of Conduct, starting with the contingent to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada,” the communiqué signed by the Chairman, NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, said.
The meeting also resolved that elections into the boards of the various Leagues (Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women League and the Nigeria Nation-Wide League) should be conducted in November 2015, with the process to commence in August this year.
Also, going by the communiqué, the NFF will soon enact a regulation for the protection of players of the age-grade national teams and the establishment of NFF Youth Players Development Fund.
Finally, the NFF Board commended the untiring efforts of its President, Pinnick, in promoting Nigeria football at home and abroad, most recently in having very useful meetings with FIFA President, Sepp Blatter and Chairman of The English FA, Mr. Greg Dyke.

The NFF have promised to pay the team $50,000; $100,000; and $250,000 if they reach the quarter finals, semifinals and final respectively.
http://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/182928-world-cup-nigeria-promises-falcons-250000-if-they-play-finals.html

CFCfan:
The NFF have promised to pay each the team $50,000; $100,000; and $250,000 if they reach the quarter finals, semifinals and final respectively.
http://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/182928-world-cup-nigeria-promises-falcons-250000-if-they-play-finals.html

This is massive! Believe me, this can do wonders.

olapluto:

This is massive! Believe me, this can do wonders.

Yeah, that comes to a total of $400,000 if the Falcons reach the final. And $2,173 per player if they reach the quarters. The motivation is in order.

Please can anyone post pics of the players training in camp

WOMEN FOOTBALL: Sunday Uchechi Brace Wins It For Minsk BWPL

Nigerian striker Uchechi Sunday Lopez continued her rich vein of form as she grabbed a brace in Minsk's 2-0 win at Bobruichanka on Sunday.
The 20-year-old opened the scoring in the 24h minute before she doubled the lead two minutes before the hour mark.
Uchechi has now netted five goals in two matches in the 2015 Belarus Women Premier League season. She is the top-scorer of the BWPL.
Other Nigerians on the payroll of Minsk are Onome Ebi, Gift Otuwe, Esther Sunday and Ishola Tawa.
(about a month ago).
PS. I just remembered that Uchechi Sunday was at the last WWC. She was the youngest player at 16. She also played some games. Her match vs Canada.

with reports of Uchechi banging in goals is it safe to say dat not all our players have reported to camp?

Please does anyone know how many players are yet to report to camp?

Abuja - The Super Falcons have been promised a whooping sum of N88m if they reach the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick made the promise as the team prepare for the tournament that kicks off on June 6.

“I am telling you girls in all sincerity. If you get to the quarter -finals of the World Cup, I am giving you $50,000. A spot in the semi finals will earn you the sum of $100,000 and if you get to the final, I am indebted to you to the sum of $250,000.

“I have absolute faith in you. You have done this nation proud on several occasions, winning seven African Women Championship titles out of nine editions. You are daughters of glory and I see you performing beyond expectation at the World Cup.”


The Super Falcons have only made the last eight of the global championship once, when victories over North Korea and Denmark saw the team in the quarter finals in the United States of America in 1999. But the squad led by Florence Omagbemi lost out at that stage, beaten 4-3 after extra time by Brazil.

Pinnick also talked up the girls.

“It will not be easy, but nothing good comes easy. Beautiful roses grow on thorny plants. You are going to play the likes of Sweden and the United States of America, powerhouses in women’s football. But it should be in the back of your minds that Nigeria is also a powerhouse in women’s football, a serious one for that matter.

“There will be plenty of odds, but that’s an everyday thing in life. Odds are meant to propel you to go higher, move faster and become stronger.”

The Falcons, who have been training in Abuja since last month, will depart Nigeria on Tuesday for a 16-day training camp in Toronto, ahead of the 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals.

For the latest on national news, politics, sport, entertainment and more follow us on Twitter and like our Facebook page.

Nigerians are very phony bunches. The FIFA Canada 2015 tournament is about to be played yet Nigerians are talking about which player has reported to the camp.

terzurum5:
Ahead W/Cups: Falcons, F/Eagles to sign Code of Conduct.
…as Pinnick returns from medical trip
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, who on Tuesday, returned from a fourweek medical trip to the United Kingdom, yesterday, presided over an Executive Committee Meeting of the federation at which the proposal for national team players and coaches to henceforth sign a Code of Conduct was endorsed.
A communiqué of the sixth meeting of the NFF Executive Committee held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja and made available to our correspondent said the Flying Eagles currently training in Germany for the FIFA U-20 World Cup kicking-off in New Zealand on May 30 and the Super Falcons going for the Women’s World Cup in Canada next month, would be the first to sign the conduct code.
“In the interest of the nation and as a means of regulating the conduct of players and officials representing the country at any point in time, Committee endorsed a proposal for all players and officials of the National Teams to sign a Code of Conduct, starting with the contingent to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada,” the communiqué signed by the Chairman, NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, said.
The meeting also resolved that elections into the boards of the various Leagues (Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women League and the Nigeria Nation-Wide League) should be conducted in November 2015, with the process to commence in August this year.
Also, going by the communiqué, the NFF will soon enact a regulation for the protection of players of the age-grade national teams and the establishment of NFF Youth Players Development Fund.
Finally, the NFF Board commended the untiring efforts of its President, Pinnick, in promoting Nigeria football at home and abroad, most recently in having very useful meetings with FIFA President, Sepp Blatter and Chairman of The English FA, Mr. Greg Dyke.

The requirement to sign code of conduct by players representing their country is moronic idea that bordered on culture of impunity. I had rather not play for Nigeria than sign an idiotic code of conduct. How much money are the goons in NFF paying the players to warrant this lack of trust endeavor.

Duru1:


The requirement to sign code of conduct by players representing their country is moronic idea that bordered on culture of impunity. I had rather not play for Nigeria than sign an idiotic code of conduct. How much money are the goons in NFF paying the players to warrant this lack of trust endeavor.

Apparently the NFF has promised the team a max of $400k if they advance to the final. That translates to $17,391 per player.

CFCfan:

Apparently the NFF has promised the team a max of $400k if they advance to the final. That translates to $17,391 per player.

Peanuts! Those useless eagles get 10k per win and 5 for draws. this is a World Cup why so cheap? why not pay them at least 5k per game. How much did Ghana fly to the world cup in Brazil during the group stage? 3 million i believe and all we have is 400k for a whole team God bless us.

BascoVanVeli:


Peanuts! Those useless eagles get 10k per win and 5 for draws. this is a World Cup why so cheap? why not pay them at least 5k per game. How much did Ghana fly to the world cup in Brazil during the group stage? 3 million i believe and all we have is 400k for a whole team God bless us.

I agree it's peanuts. But within the context of female football, and indeed female team sports in general, it's a pretty nice paycheck.

Alternatively, each player should earn $6,000 for a win in the round of 16 and quarter finals; $10,000 for a win in the semifinal, and $15,000 for winning the trophy/just appearing in the final.
That's $851,000 for the team + other allowances.

CFCfan:

I agree it's peanuts. But within the context of female football, and indeed female team sports in general, it's a pretty nice paycheck.

Alternatively, each player should earn $6,000 for a win in the round of 16 and quarter finals; $10,000 for a win in the semifinal, and $15,000 for winning the trophy/just appearing in the final.
That's $851,000 for the team + other allowances.

That is more than Blessing Okagbare gets for winning an elite athletics event at a meet. That is a lot of money for women sports.

Happy Birthday to Ini Umotong. Great player.
2013: Saw action in 18 games...made four goals...scored eight total points...21 shots on goal...made one game winning shot.
2012: Named to the Newcomer Team and the Horizon League Newcomer of the Year...20 games played with 15 starts...seven total goals with three against IPFW...two total assists--one each against Denver and IUPUI...47 shots with 27 on goal to lead team...six shots against Green Bay...two game winning goals...2.35 shots per game...seven goals tied for most on team.
Prep: Team's top scorer for four years...played for the Aston Villa LFC in the FA Women's Premier League...posted three goals as team finished 7-5-6 and third in the National Division...invited in 2009 to a national training camp...also holds school record for javelin throw.
Personal: Daughter of Anewok Ben and Grace Umotong...born May 15, 1994...youngest of five children.
https://www.facebook.com/precious.dede.96/videos/830995643664107/?pnref=story

Duru1:


The requirement to sign code of conduct by players representing their country is moronic idea that bordered on culture of impunity. I had rather not play for Nigeria than sign an idiotic code of conduct. How much money are the goons in NFF paying the players to warrant this lack of trust endeavor.

Absolutely nothing wrong in insisting players n officials sign a code of conduct.

We have heard of teams holding d nation to ransom in the thick of tournaments.If dis code of conduct helps eliminate such incidents,n also protects d players, by all means I am all for it.

This will help teams focus on the football, instead of involving themselves in needless uprisings during tournaments dat serves us no good.

Sir Edwin Okon ls release d list na, haba d female national team is way more predictable compared to d male's team, we knw dat DEde, Oshoala, Oparanoize, perpetua Nkwocha etc will make d list so pls do d needful nd release, Australia, NZ, Canada and a host of other teams av released diers so "kilo n duro dey". What ar u waitin for?

Danycrusoe:
Sir Edwin Okon ls release d list na, haba d female national team is way more predictable compared to d male's team, we knw dat DEde, Oshoala, Oparanoize, perpetua Nkwocha etc will make d list so pls do d needful nd release, Australia, NZ, Canada and a host of other teams av released diers so "kilo n duro dey". What ar u waitin for?

I wish to see Perpetua in Canada,but its looking highly improbable..as I don't think she is in camp right now.

I pray a last min invitation is extended to her.This team has d potential to shock the world,n it will b a fitting way to bow out for Perpetua,forever sealing her place as a true legend of the game.

dodobytes:


I wish to see Perpetua in Canada,but its looking highly improbable..as I don't think she is in camp right now.

I pray a last min invitation is extended to her.This team has d potential to shock the world,n it will b a fitting way to bow out for Perpetua,forever sealing her place as a true legend of the game.

If its by dat den an invitation should be extended to bring stella mbachu bak from retirement too cuz both of dem nd precious dede were d first set of ppl I recognized on d female football scene dey v all tried in givin young playas hope n motivation. Mercy Akide too is a legend

dodobytes:


I wish to see Perpetua in Canada,but its looking highly improbable..as I don't think she is in camp right now.

I pray a last min invitation is extended to her.This team has d potential to shock the world,n it will b a fitting way to bow out for Perpetua,forever sealing her place as a true legend of the game.

Realistically speaking our preparation has been poor very very poor. Dis kind of prep may win d AWC or ticket to d AAG or Olympics buh nt d woRld cup. Compare d preps of all our group opponents to ours, Nigeria,s preparation is d worst

Danycrusoe:

If its by dat den an invitation should be extended to bring stella mbachu bak from retirement too cuz both of dem nd precious dede were d first set of ppl I recognized on d female football scene dey v all tried in givin young playas hope n motivation. Mercy Akide too is a legend

Guy,Stella Mbachu has has hung her boots,and I don't think she can compete for a place in dat team.

Did u watch Perpetua at the AWC?..did u see her goal..her passes...confidence on d ball?

Do we have any ball stopper better than Dede? I can confidently say NO,so is it a smart move to drop her cos she has been there for ages?

Mercy Akhide has a name in women soccer,but Perpetua has attained legendary status.

It looks like age is fast catching up with her hence, the need to give the much younger once a chance to prove they are up to the task.
Her inclusion should be an inspiration to the younger once in the team.

I see a situation where Okon may only take 6 midfielders in order to accommodate the 6 attackers. 8 defenders will surely be on the list.

Or he could go 7-7-6. Either way, Perpetua will most likely be listed as a midfielder.

dodobytes:


Guy,Stella Mbachu has has hung her boots,and I don't think she can compete for a place in dat team.

Did u watch Perpetua at the AWC?..did u see her goal..her passes...confidence on d ball?

Do we have any ball stopper better than Dede? I can confidently say NO,so is it a smart move to drop her cos she has been there for ages?

Mercy Akhide has a name in women soccer,but Perpetua has attained legendary status.

I knw she(mbachu) has retired, dats y I sed if she cum bak from retirement atleast I watched her play in d last womens FA Cup in lagos against Sunshine queens where she scored nd assisted Oshoala bak den so she cn still do a lot on d field of play.
Mercy Akide, Perpetua Nkwocha, Mbachu Nd Dede are all legends of Nigerian and Africa's female football scope

Danycrusoe:

I knw she(mbachu) has retired, dats y I sed if she cum bak from retirement atleast I watched her play in d last womens FA Cup in lagos against Sunshine queens where she scored nd assisted Oshoala bak den so she cn still do a lot on d field of play.
Mercy Akide, Perpetua Nkwocha, Mbachu Nd Dede are all legends of Nigerian and Africa's female football scope

This is trivial shaa..but Mbachu and Dede havent attained legendary status bro,they have made a name in the sport but lets leave it at that.Longevity in the game doesn't automatically confer upon one such huge honor.

A legend reaches the height and blazes a trail....Akhide yes...Perpetus big yes!

dodobytes:


This is trivial shaa..but Mbachu and Dede havent attained legendary status bro,they have made a name in the sport but lets leave it at that.Longevity in the game doesn't automatically confer upon one such huge honor.

A legend reaches the height and blazes a trail....Akhide yes...Perpetus big yes!

From d Nigerian point of view dey ar legends of Nigerian female football. Let's nt drag it further, in oda news wu x better n younger, Ini Umutong nd Courtney Dike?

This most likely will be Okon’s default formation, I don’t see him deviating from this as it was the same tactics he used all through the AWC.

^^
At left-back, I would substitute Ofoegbu for Ebere. Ebere is better defensively, and overlaps well. Ofoegbu is only superb offensively.

This would be one of my tactics if i were Okon playing against the USA,we would need the extra numbers in the midfield,so we will sacrifice playing two upfront.Nwabuoku wouldn't be too adventurous,she should sit pretty in front of the back four and protect them.

Okobi and Ayinde should work at recycling the ball around the midfield while Superzee and Ordega work the flanks leaving Desire/Umotong as the lone striker.

This would be my second tactic against USA,playing Uchechi or any suitable player in the hole behind the main striker,she can both add grit to the midfield and hold up play for players to move into good positions.

dodobytes:


Absolutely nothing wrong in insisting players n officials sign a code of conduct.

We have heard of teams holding d nation to ransome in the thick of tournaments.If dis code of conduct helps eliminate such incidents,n also protects d players, by all means I am all for it.

This will help teams focus on the football, instead of involving themselves in needless uprisings during tournaments dat serves us no good.

How does signing onto a worthless piece of paper stop players from asking for bonuses if owed? The players behaviors alleged in the above post can only be avoided if the silly officials from NFF keep to the promises made to the players. If the financial/social benefits promised to the players are not met, there will be protest of any sort by the players.