Richard Animam
30 November 2008
Nigeria's U-20 female national team, the Falconets tackle France today in the quarter final of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup with their coach, Daniel Evumena looking beyond the French side and sounding tough.
On arrival in the South American country hosting the event, Evumena told all who cared to listen that his team would reach the final and after beating host, Chile last Wednesday, he upped the ante, saying that his eyes are on the trophy when the final is decided next Sunday.
"When we arrived in Chile I said we would reach the final, and I'll say it again today: 'We've come here to win the final', he said, adding, "We have the strength typical of African teams, though, and we work harder on the physical side of things."
He however paid tribute to the Chilean side, describing them as "a great team with the skill you'd expect from a South American side."
To overcome France who emerged second in their group for the semi final ticket, coach Evumena will need the dexterity of skipper Rita Chikwelu and the skills of goal poacher, Ebere Orji who scored the winner against Chile. The Falconets coach would however adopt a new strategy after two key players, Esther Michael and Joy Jegede backed a second yellow card that rules them out of today's tie.
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