Uchenna Kanu, the Nigerian starlet whose four goals ensured
Flamingos got to the quarter finals of FIFA U-17 Women World cup in Costa Rica
last year, is set to lead the Falconets strike force in the FIFA U-20 Women
World cup in Canada this August.
The Fila
coming from the Faconets camp is something that could give millions of
Nigerians hope. The 17 years attacking wit –kid has impressed everyone. Without
doubt Kanu has what it takes to deliver in Canada.
Head Coach of the Nigeria U-20 women’s team, Peter Dedvbo exclaimed: “the girl is good!”
“Kanu was
really outstanding at the U-17 World cup last year and since her call up into
the U-20 team, she has been in splendid form. With the way she is going, Kanu
can win the Golden ball or Golden boot in Canada. Watch out!”
“Kanu’s
partnership with Courtney Dike and Halimatu Ayinde upfront is something that
could interest most Nigerian fans when hostility begins in Canada. Dedvbo enthused.
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| Courtney Dike |
Although,
most fans expect the Oklahoma State University star, Courtney Dike to spearhead
the Falconets’ campaign in Canada, but the tall-spiky attacker said: “I think
the really star to watch out for is Uchenna Kanu!”
“I’m not
trying to take any responsibility off my shoulders, but you need to see what
Uchenna is doing with the ball these days. Her skill is something incredible.
We can’t finish any game, whether training or real match situation, without
Uche not finding the back of the net many times.” Dike explained.
“I’m so excited that we have such a player in our team. The way Uche combine with other players motivates them to play better in difficult situations and that’s inspiring. Again, her goal scoring ability is something you can’t but admire as a striker.” Dike continued.
“I’m looking
forward to the world cup and I hope the coach would prefer to pair two of us
upfront.”
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| Nigeria's Falconets |
Dedevbo is
happy to have made the decision and invited five former U-17 players: Uchenna
Kanu; Halimatu Ayinde, Patience Okoseme, Jiroro Idike and Yetunde Adeboyejo.
These additions have really fortified the team.
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| Peter Dedevbo, Head Coach |
Dedevbo is
optimistic with the way the team is turning out and Canada 2014 may just be the
right place and set time for Nigeria’s Falconets to eventually become world
champions. They were the runner up to Germany at the 2010 U-20 women’s world
cup.
“The players
are in great form and the team spirit is so high. You can’t help but to hope
for the best when you have a team like this. I have a feeling the Falconets
will become the next world champions.” Dedevbo confidently declared.
Nigeria will
be competing against England, Mexico and South Korea for the Group C ticket at
the 16 team biennial tournament, which runs from August 5 – 24 in Canada.
