FIFA WWC-Uche Heaps Praises on Her Team,Nkwocha Sees Her Last World Cup

Onome Ebi in a header

Super Falcons’ chief coach Eucharia Uche has saluted the courageous display of her defenders despite Nigeria's ouster from the FIFA Women's World Cup going on in Germany.

Uche described the quartet of Onome Ebi, Helen Ukaonu, Osinachi Ohale and Faith Ikidi as fearless and rugged.

'This has got nothing to do with the fact that we conceded two goals in the championship. When you see that something deserves commendation, you should not ignore it. my defenders made me happy and l must let them know,' she said.'This was not our initial plans when we were coming into the championship but when certain things do not go your way there is nothing that you can do about it other than to reflect and wait for another time,' she said.

Credit also went to the senior players in the squad for their maturity and the words of encouragement offered to the younger players.

However, the attackers came under knocks for not rising to the occasion. They were ineffective and not bold to take their chances. My advice to them is to return and perfect their skills for the future,' said the coach.

Nigeria takes on Canada next Tuesday July 5 which is a consolation game as both teams have crashed out. Canada lost to France 4-0 in its second game and had lost their opening game to Germany 2-1 in Berlin.

Nkwocha on her future

Perpetua Nkwocha is looking forward to Nigeria's last group game against Canada to break her World Cup goal jinx.

The player is yet to score a goal at the Women's championship since making her debut at the 2003 edition staged in U.S.A."We have the game against Canada being our last but all hope for me is not lost even though l thought that by now l would have scored," said Nkwocha.

"Against France l played very deep and against Germany l played in the midfield so maybe this time around l could be placed in the good position that would enable me score,"added the Sweden based player.

Nkwocha has ruled out returning for the Super Falcons in the next World Cup scheduled for 2015 in Canada.

'This is certainly my last and the best time to leave the stage for the younger ones to express themselves. Nobody can say that l have not contributed to the growth of the game, but right now it is time to move up in life,' she explained.

By Ejiro Femi-Babafemi