NIGERIA’S SUPER FALCONS SCARE SWEDEN, AUSTRALIA, AND USA – At Canada 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Draw

The Nigeria – Women National Team (WNT) will face Sweden, Australia and USA in Group D at 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup that will take place from June 6 – July 5 in Canada. The final draw took place at Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa on Saturday December 6, 2014.

Since then, reactions have been threading the draw as many have tagged Group D – as the group of death.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will open play against Sweden on June 8 at Winnipeg Stadium. The Nigerians then faces Australia on June 12 in the same arena; followed by USA on June 16 at BC Place in Vancouver.

 

Edwin Okon

Edwin Okon, Nigeria WNT Head coach is optimistic that Falcons Group D opponents will bring out the best in the team.

“We are not afraid of any team, as no group is simple. Every group is tough and having U.S. in our group does not put any fear in us. Instead, it will give us the extra determination to train and prepare better.”

“And going into the World cup as African champions, they (our Opponents) will also be afraid of us. We have set a target for ourselves… We are hoping to top the group, which is our target for now. With good preparations we hope to top the group and go all the way. We know the target is achievable and we are determined to make history.” Okon declared.

 

Pia Sundhage

Truly, Nigeria Super Falcons seems to put unusual pressure on the other opponents, they are quite uncomfortable having them in the group.  Pia Sundhage, the Swedish WNT head coach spoke extensively about teams in the group.

“On drawing Australia and the U.S; two countries that are very familiar with Sweden is good. Then of course, for me personally and several of the girls have played the U.S, so we know the team so well. I have been with them before as their Coach, so I understand the character of the team.”

The Australia WNT is a good side as well. Pacy and excited youthful ladies and plays a very good brand of soccer. These two teams are totally different from Nigeria.  Although, Nigeria’s present team is not familiar to me, but we know they are very athletic and displays a lot of physical prowess, one team that is capable of springing up surprises at anytime.”

 

Alen Stajcic

For Alen Stajcic, the Australian WNT head coach, his reaction about the Nigerian team is the same.

“I think our group has some of the top teams. U.S is the clear favorite but then, Nigeria brings it in every world championship. They are so athletic and they keep getting better and better. They will be tough to play against if you consider their present form. You can see what the country’s U-20 team did in the world championship earlier this year. The free scoring Asisat Oshoala could really turn on the pressure on any team in the world.”

Jil Ellis

Jil Ellis, the U.S. WNT head coach said, “Physically, it’s a demanding group, but we’ve got a lot of depth on our roster and we’ll be able to manage against some good teams and good challenge. It’s probably the toughest group; with African champions coming to present an unpredictable, somewhat magical characteristics and very difficult to play. But head to head, we have beaten them twice and we can draw a lot of insights from those videos and as well videos of their latest performances. We have five to six months to prepare, then we’ll be ready to go.”