AAG NEWS:"Twiga Stars Can Triumph in Maputo"-Coach Mkwasa

Tanzania's national women's soccer team, Twiga Stars, head coach Charles Boniface Mkwasa has exuded optimism in the ability of his team to stand out at the 10th All Africa Games scheduled to take place in Maputo, Mozambique, from September 3-18.

Twiga Stars depart for the Mozambique capital tomorrow for the start of the tournament next Saturday, in what will be the first time ever for the country to field a team in the soccer category of the event.

A contingent of 20 people, which includes 16 players and four officials, will represent Tanzania at the Maputo games, alongside athletics, boxing, Paralympics, judo and netball teams.

The players are skipper Sophia Mwasikili, Fatuma Omary, Mwanaidi Tamba, Fatuma Bashiri, Mwajuma Abdallah, Asha Rashid, Mwanahamisi Omari, Pulkeria Charaji, Ester Chabruma, Zena Khamis, Fridian John, Fatuma Mustafa, Ettoe Mlenzi, Fatuma Khatib, Maimuna Said and Mwapewa Mtumwa. Officials are head coach Charles Boniface Mkwasa and his assistant Nasra Mohamed, team doctor Gania Seif and team manager, Furaha Francis.

Mkwasa said his squad is full of confidence as it looks forward to stamp its authority in women soccer in the continent. "Our preparations for the event started in August 5, this year and the players have trained in different aspects, ranging from physical to tactical," he said.

"There will be no excuse as far as training is concerned. We have prepared well for the games and hopefully we will represent the country well," he added.

Mkwasa said his players will bank on the experience they gained from their participation in this year's Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) Women Championship, which was held in Zimbabwe, to push their opponents in the All Africa Games all the way.

Twiga participated in the championship as guest team and finished third after beating Malawi in the play-off, with the event serving as the former's preparations for the All Africa Games.

"The COSAFA Women Championship has greatly helped us shape up for the All Africa Games. It is down to the players to demonstrate what they have been instructed in training and help the team excel in the Games," said Mkwasa.

"I am optimistic that my squad stands a great chance of performing well in the games if players will follow at least 50 per cent of instructions they got in training," he added. Mkwasa played down fears that Twiga Stars might face an early exit in the event, as the team has been put in what is largely seen as the tougher of the two groups of the women soccer event.

Twiga Stars is in group B with continental women soccer giants, Ghana, South Africa and Zimbabwe and the Tanzanians are expected to open their campaign by facing Ghana on September 5 at the refurbished Estadio do Zimpeto in Maputo.

"Our group is just normal we know almost all our opponents well. Tanzanians should never be worried about the group and our opening match against Ghana will hopefully offer inspiration to perform well in the rest of the matches," said Mkwasa.

Mkwasa hinted that the inclusion of striker Asha Rashid, who has just recovered from a knee injury, has aimed at bolstering the team's attacking force, considering that the towering striker is one of dependable attackers.

"Asha had previously been sidelined by a knee injury but she recently removed the Plaster of Paris (POP) and had started light training. We felt the urge to take her with the rest of the squad because we still need to strengthen our attacking force.

Hopefully we will use her if the squad progresses to the latter stages," he said. Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Information Officer, Boniface Wambura, said the team will be bade farewell at its camp at Tumbi in the Coast Region today, prior to heading for Maputo the following day.

by Japheth Kazenga

29 August 2011

Chris Green-"Don't Blame Dede For Falcon's Narrow Win"

Precious Dede

The Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Chris Green says Super Falcons first choice goalkeeper, Precious Dede should not be blamed for the slim 2-1 victory the team recorded against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in the 2012 London Olympics qualifiers decided in Abuja over the weekend.

Dede had entered the match with an injury that saw her limping even from the very beginning of the encounter but Green rose to her defence, saying she should not be blamed for the own goal which resulted from a mix-up between her and defender, Osinachi Ohale.

But contrary to the position of Green who was said to have boasted before the match that as long as he remained the chairman of the technical committee, a one-legged Dede must be in post for Nigeria instead of second choice goalkeeper, Tochukwu Oluehi, many analysts who watched the once dreaded Falcons struggle to contend the rampaging Cameroonians say the goal was conceived because the limping Dede was not able to move fast to stop the harmless back-pass.

In a chat with Champion Sports immediately after the match, Green insisted that the choice of Dede was not a mistake because "she did not commit any foul during the entire match, the goal could not be said to be her fault, after all she saved many goals also, so there is nothing wrong with her starting the match ahead of the other goalkeepers".

Many analysts including some staff of the NFF were visibly angry because it was evident that the Super Falcons were not fit as they struggled at every interval to challenge the more enterprising and focused Cameroonians who told anybody who cared to listen after the match that they were happy with the outcome ahead of the return leg in Yaounde in October.

Another school of thought equally criticized the seeming over bearing influence of the technical committee chairman, Chris Green on the team as exemplified by his constant foray into the technical area giving instructions to the seemingly confused Coach Eucharia Uche who was seen trying to impress the big guns of the federation.

The return leg is certainly going to be a difficult one for Nigeria as the Cameroonians will only need a 1-0 victory over Nigeria to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

by Jude Opara

News from the African Women's soccer World

Two Ghanaian female referees for All Africa Games

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has selected two Ghanaian match officials for the 2011 All Africa Games scheduled for 3-18 September in Maputo, Mozambique.

The duo are referee Christine Zigah and assistant referee Emmanuella Aglago.

It will be the first major international competition for the duo since the attainment of their international badges.

Zigah, 29, attained FIFA status in 2010 whilst 32-year old Aglago was accredited in 2009.

Black Princesses Begin South African Training Tour

Ghana's u-20 women's team,the Black Princesses begun their training tour in South Africa with an 8-0 goal romp against West University of South Africa on Saturday.They will lock horns with the u-20 Banyana Banyana on Tuesday.

Genoveva Anonma Scores Again

Turbine Potsdam won their 2nd game on sunday against Bayer Leverkusen by 3 goals to nil thereby maintaining a wining momentum since the start of the season last weekend.

A Genoveva Anonma strike on the 24th minute mark opened the flood gates for Potsdam. Her goal became the 1000th goal scored in Potsdam's bundesliga history.

Businesses In Zimbabwe Urged To Support Women's Soccer

Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer Boss, Mavis Gumbo has urged business entities to exercise social responsibility activities to enhance national development. 
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Zimbabwe Mighty Warriors on the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, ZTA, the women’s soccer boss said she is thankful for the support rendered to her team by the Tourism Authority during and after the Cosafa women championship.


The Mighty Warriors who are grouped alongside Ghana, South Africa, and Tanzania in the All Africa games are expected to continue raising the country’s flag after a fine run that saw them winning the Cosafa Cup.

Nigeria puts up a disappointing performance in a 2-1 win against Cameroon.

Nigeria' Super Falcons were made to work extra hard by the stubborn Cameroonian Lionesses in a pulsating game in front of a small crowd of vociferous Nigerian fans in Abuja.
Cameroon started as the more purposeful side when Ivan Mhlame fired a thunderous shot at goal only for the shot to go wide.

With pressure mounting in the Nigerians goal area,goal keeper Precious Dede was forced to make a cynical tackle on danger woman Onguene, which saw the latter writhing in pain but Dede was lucky to get away with a yellow card.

Veteran star player Nkwocha brought some life into the Nigerian side with her dangerous runs which drew a free-kick but the ensuing kick was wasted by Emueje Ogbiagbeva.Nigeria stepped up their game 30 mins into the first half  when Nkwocha again wriggles through two Lionesses and shoots the ball into the welcoming hands of the goalkeeper.

After a catalog of misses on the part of the Nigerians, the deadlock is finally broken when  in the second half when Nwkocha steps up to bury a penalty kick emanating from a foul on Oparanozie by Cameroon's Bou Njou,putting the score at 1-0. Nigeria continued with their lackluster performance whiles Cameroon increased the tempo of the game only to succumb to a Nigerian onslaught started by Osinachi Ohale, whose cross from the flanks ended up becoming a problem too hot to handle by Cameroon's goalkeeper Ngo Ndom only for Ebere Orji to tap in, registering Nigeria's second goal.

Cameroon pulled a goal back when Precious Dede made heavy weather handling a back pass to put their name on the score sheet. They then make an injury time substitution when Fedjio made way for Ngono Moni but couldn't even out the score until the blast of the final whistle. Nigeria wins the game by 2 goals to 1 with Cameroon being the happier of the two sides as the go back home with an important away goal to rely on. The second leg of the Olympic qualifier will be played in Cameroon in a fortnight.

1st leg:South Africa Dismantles Ethiopia In Olympic Qualifier

A hat-trick by Noko Matlou left Banyana Banyana one match away from qualifying for next year's London Olympics after they beat Ethiopia 3-0 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa's sportswomen of the year Matlou scored two goals in the first half and her third in the dying minutes of the game.

"We knew they were a bit slow at the back so it was important for us to capitalise on their mistakes," said Matlou.

"We missed a lot of opportunities but that's all part of the game."

The South African women made the most of their home advantage and were only really threatened in the second half when the Ethiopians saw their best chance go a fraction wide of the post.

The return-leg fixutre will be played in Ethiopia on September 11.

"We are not through yet and it's still going to be tough in Ethiopia," said Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza.

"But it's very important to us that we didn't concede a goal."

click here to watch game highlights

Cameroon's Lionesses Arrive In Abuja

The Senior Women’s Team of Cameroon, otherwise known as the Indomitable Lionesses, flew into Abuja on Thursday afternoon for Saturday’s London 2012 Olympic Games qualifying match against Nigeria’s Super Falcons.

The 28-man team arrived in Lagos just after midnight and was flown to Abuja in the afternoon. The team is staying at the Chida Hotel.

Officials for Saturday’s cracker, which is the first of a two-leg final qualifying fixture for next year’s Summer Olympic’s Women’s Football Tournament, have also been flown into Abuja. The match commissioner is Mrs Anastasia Tsichlas from South Africa, while the referees are all from Uganda.

Cameroon has pleaded for the second leg of the tie to be pushed to October as the Lionesses will take part in next month’s All-Africa Games Women’s Football Tournament. The return by in Yaounde will now take place on October 22, 2011 with the winner qualifying to be one of Africa’s two flag-bearers in London next year.

The Falcons have been training in the Federal Capital for the past three weeks and Head Coach Eucharia Uche presently has 28 players in camp. Saturday’s match starts at 4pm.

FALCONS IN CAMP: Precious Dede, Tochukwu Oluehi, Ebubeleye White, Evelyn Nwabuoku, Osinachi Ohale, Ebere Orji, Stella Mbachu, Glory Iroka, Desire Oparanozie, Francesca Ordega, Rebecca Kalu, Esther Sunday, Blessing Edoho, Josephine Chukwunonye, Amenze Aighewi, Joy Jegede, Gloria Ofoegbu, Amarachi Okoronkwo, Asisat Ishola, Vera Okolo, Edith Eduviere, Roseline Umeh, Emueje Oghiagbevha, Onome Ebi, Faith Ikidi, Rita Chikwelu, Perpetua Nkwocha, Helen Ukaonu.

Banyana take aim at 2012 Games

The Senior Women’s National team, Banyana Banyana is on the brink of qualifying for the Olympic Games for the first time. This is when they will take on Ethiopia in the first leg of the 2012 London Olympic Games qualifiers that will be played at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 27 August 2011. Kickoff is at 15h00

Both countries are playing in the final round of the qualifiers, and the overall winner will book a place to London in 2012.

With next month’s (11 September 2011) return leg set to be a fiercely difficult encounter, South Africa will be looking to establish a stranglehold on the tie in this first leg. The team has called for fans to come in numbers to support them in Soweto on Saturday. Tickets for the match are free but must be collected at Sasol Delight Convenience stores in the Johannesburg area.

Thus far Banyana Banyana have seen off the challenge of Zambia (5-1 on aggregate) and Tunisia (6-5 on penalties after 1-1 aggregate draw) in the Olympic qualifiers, which began back in January 2011. The victory over Tunisia, coming as it did via a penalty shootout, was particularly nerve-wracking, but it will all be worth it if the national team can secure a spot in London.

Standing between them and this goal is Ethiopia, who have impressed so far in the qualifiers by overcoming Congo DR 3-0 on aggregate and Ghana on the away goals rule after a 2-2 aggregate draw. Ethiopia may only be ranked 106th in FIFA’s official world rankings (compared to Banyana’s 63rd placing) but make no mistake, the East Africans will be tough opponents.

The teams have met twice before in official internationals. The first encounter was in the group stages of the 2004 Women’s African Football Championships where Ethiopia emerged 2-1 victors in Pretoria. The second and most recent match between the two teams was a friendly held in Algiers in 2007 that was won 3-1 by Banyana Banyana.

South Africa’s preparations for the match gave gone well. Last weekend they crushed Mozambique 5-0 in an international friendly at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Tshwane. The result took Banyana to 11 wins from 13 matches this year under head coach Joseph Mkhonza.

Mkhonza named a full strength squad on Tuesday, 23 August 2011, that includes overseas-based stars Nompumelelo Nyandeni (Russia) and Kylie Ann Louw (USA). Amanda Dlamini, Nokou Matlou, Mary Ntsweng and Zanele Sukazi have also just returned to the team after travelling to China for the World Student Games.

The head coach is hoping for a packed house at the Orlando Stadium for what he has described as “perhaps the most important match of our players’ careers”. The winners of the tie between South Africa and Ethiopia will join either Cameroon or Nigeria as the African qualifiers for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

Brazil, Colombia, France and Sweden have already qualified, while Great Britain get an automatic place as hosts.
 safa.net

Banyana Stars Fired Up To  Thrash Ethiopia

RUSSIA-BASED striker Nompumelelo Nyandeni is predicting a comprehensive win for Banyana Banyana over Ethiopia in the 2012 London Olympics qualifier at Orlando Stadium tomorrow.Nyandeni and Kylie-Ann Louw are the two overseas-based players selected by coach Joseph Mkhonza for the match. Louw plies her trade in the US.

Nyandeni said: "It's good to be back with Banyana Banyana. This is the most important match in the history of the team and there is no way we can lose it.

"We want to win this match with a feast of goals to wrap it up at home to ensure there are no serious challenges when we travel to Addis Ababa for the return match. We are definitely going to the London Olympics."

Nyandeni last played for Banyana when they eliminated Tunisia in April. Captain Amanda Dlamini is equally confident the squad will tear the east Africans to pieces in both legs of the contest.

"Our message to the entire country is to come and support us, we won't let them down. This team will feature in the Olympics in London next year."

Mkhonza's charges, who are ranked 63rd in the world and fourth in Africa, will start as favourites after winning 11 of their 13 matches this year.

"We won't underestimate Ethiopia because they have some brilliant players," said Mkhonza, whose technical staff includes the knowledgeable Jerry Laka.

Ethiopia, who are ranked 106th in the world and 15th on the continent, sent a message of intent when they eliminated giants Ghana.

Safa women's committee convenor Nomsa Mahlangu appealed to South Africans to rally behind Banyana Banyana.
sowetanlive

Genoveva Anoma starts Potsdam career with 2 goals against Hamburg

Equatorial Guinea's star player Geneveva Anonma started her career with Turbine Potsdam with full force when she blasted home 2 goals for her new team,one of which was adjudged the goal of the day, shot from close to 30 yards.

The game was a season opener between German giants,FFC Turbine Potsdam and Hamburg SV and as expected Potsdam took all three points at stake with goals coming from Anonma on the 8th and 62nd minute and two more goals coming from Japanese world cup winning import,Yuki Nagasato on the 20th and 58th minute mark,give Potsdam a convincing 4-0 win.

Potsdam coach Bernd Schroder heaped praises on his new player Anonma and the team as a whole. He anticipates a great season for his team and was full of expectation from his powerful striking duo of Anonma and Nagasato.
When asked for her thoughts about her performance and the team's win Anoman said,
 "The team played very well today, we won. It's a beautiful day and I am very satisfied. Of course I am also happy that I made two goals. "

We wish Anonma well at her new club.

News from the African Women's soccer World

NIGERIA
Falcons Will Prevail
Globacom has declared support for the Super Falcons ahead of the London 2012 Olympics qualifier with the Lionesses of Cameroon at the Abuja National Stadium on Saturday.
Globacom is a major partner of the Nigeria Football Federation and official sponsor of Nigerian national teams. The company recently launched Glo-branded kits for the national teams.

Globacom believes the Falcons deserve maximum support from Nigerians in their quest to win the Olympic ticket.
“It was unfortunate that the Falcons failed to qualify for the All Africa Games and we believe they need all the support to beat Cameroon comprehensively so that the second leg will be a mere formality. We will mobilise Nigerians to turn out en masse at the Abuja National Stadium to give the Falcons a rousing support,” Globacom said.
The Punch


Falcons urged to score more goals
Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia has praised players of Nigeria’s Women’s football team, the Falcons as they intensify preparations for this weekend’s Olympic football qualifier against Cameroun.

Siasia was at the Abuja National Stadium on Tuesday evening to watch the training session of the team and expressed happiness at the standard displayed by the players.
“I am impressed by what I saw this evening but you must score up to five goals (against Cameroun) to be in a comfortable position,” he said.
Siasia was accompanied to the session by his wife.
Chairman of the NFF’s technical committee, Chris Green who also monitored Tuesday evening’s session stressed the need for the Falcons to score lots of goals against the Central Africans.
“You girls know what I want. I want goals. We have to beat Cameroun very well,” he said.
The game is billed to kickoff  at the Abuja National Stadium on Saturday.
“You girls know what I want. I need goals. We have to beat Cameroon very well,” he said.
The Nation



SOUTH AFRICA
Banyana striker Noko Matlou confident of victory

Sportswoman of the year and Banyana Banyana striker, Noko Matlou, is confident the South African Senior Women’s National team can get a win over Ethiopia in their 2012 London Olympic qualifier on Saturday, 27 August 2011.

The prolific striker is, however, aware that this first leg encounter at Orlando Stadium in Soweto will not be a walk in the park, and they need to score more goals.

“The biggest challenge is that we don’t know them (Ethiopia) too well, but I think they are going to play very similar to their last game when they beat Ghana. We are expecting a tough game no doubt, but we are confident we are going to come out win on Saturday. What we have to do, though, is make sure we score a lot of goals at home because when we play there it will not be easy to score. We have to make sure we win big at home,” says Matlou.

Victory will see Banyana Banyana ninety minutes (90) minutes away from qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics. The South Africans go into this game at the back of a good five nil (5-0) win over Mozambique last weekend in a friendly international.

“This is a hugely important game and if we want to qualify for the Olympics we need to start well on Saturday. It is very encouraging to go into this big clash because we know we can score goals and it gives us confidence. And we are expecting to score more goals again on Saturday,” adds Matlou.

As one of the best players in the team, Matlou was rewarded for her efforts earlier this week when she scooped the Sportswoman of the Year Award at the 2011 South African Sports Awards ceremony at Sun City on Sunday, 21 August 2011.
This, however, is not her first big achievement. In February 2009 Matlou became the first South African player to be named the CAF Female Player of the Year.

Matlou has scored 48 goals from 61 appearances in the national team colours. When asked about her future, she admitted she still harbours dreams to play overseas.

“Right now I am concentrating on my studies, but if the opportunity arises for me to play overseas I will go. My favourite destinations would be Russia and America because I believe that is where they take women’s football seriously and I will grow as a player,” she concluded.
SAFA.


ZIMBABWE

Mighty Warriors Console Veep

Vice President Joice Mujuru has urged the Mighty Warriors to continue with the winning spirit that saw them clinching the Cosafa Cup last month when they take part in the All Africa Games in Mozambique.

The Mighty Warriors had visited to console the Vice President at her Chisipite residence following the death of Retired General Solomon Mujuru.
VP Mujuru thanked the players saying, “May God continue to bless you so that you come out the best. You should always be winning. Thank you very much.”

She added, “I am grateful. You are always making us proud and you know your father, yes he came with me to Rufaro Stadium. Mujuru was a father of girls. He loved his girls even if they were not his, but he was a father - even to me as a wife he sometimes played his fatherly role...”

Zimbabwe Women’s Football Chairperson, Mavis Gumbo, who led the Mighty Warriors delegation, handed over a photo album which contained pictures of the late Retired General Solomon Mujuru at Rufaro Stadium in the Mighty Warriors 1-nil victory over South Africa in the Cosafa Cup final.
ZBC

Full strength Banyana Banyana team set to chase the Olympic Dream in Soweto

Banyana Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza and captain Amanda Dlamini have called on Gauteng football fans to fill the 40 000 capacity Orlando Stadium, Soweto on Saturday, 27 August 2011 to give the senior women’s national side the edge, when they take on Ethiopia in an Olympic Qualifier, first leg encounter.


Ethiopia is expected to land in South Africa on Tuesday, 23 August 2011 at 13h15 at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.


“Football fans will need to get their tickets at the Sasol Delight Convenience Stores in and around Johannesburg in order to assure themselves of a place among the crowd for Saturday’s match,” said Mkhonza, whose national team is fresh from a resounding 5-0 win over Mozambique in an international friendly match in Atteridgeville, Tshwane at the weekend.


“While Banyana Banyana has won 11 of their 13 matches played in 2011, Saturday’s game is the most important. A win will put Banyana Banyana just one match away from qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics, before we play the Ethiopians at their home ground on September 11. Banyana Banyana needs to get a few goals at Orlando to ensure a comfortable cushion for the return leg as travelling to play in foreign territory can often bring in surprise elements and we don’t want to take any chances,” added Mkhonza, who will announce the Saturday squad at a media briefing on Tuesday, 23 August 2011.


Fresh from representing South Africa at the World Student Games in China, Banyana Banyana captain Amanda Dlamini said: “Banyana Banyana has had a good 2011 campaign and we are just two games away from achieving our Olympic dream, the ultimate goal for any athlete. We are calling on football fans, particularly female in this August Women’s Month, to come to the Orlando Stadium to cheer Banyana Banyana on.”


Ticket holders will be in for a treat by way of a halftime draw that will see two lucky winners and their partners set to accompany Banyana Banyana to Ethiopia to witness the return leg Olympic Qualifying fixture on September 11. The competition is made possible by Sasol, proud sponsor of Banyana Banyana.


Once in possession of match tickets, football fans will need to fill in their contact details on the back of the ticket. Upon arrival at the stadium, the ticket will then be torn into two pieces – one to be thrown into the competition box provided at the entry point of the stadium, the other piece to be kept by the fan for the half time draw.


Banyana Banyana squad :

GOALKEEPERS  
Thokozile Mndaweni Croesus FC
Andile Dlamini   Sundowns ladies FC
 DEFENDERS  
Yola Jafta     University of Johannesburg
Amanda Sister     Liverpool Ladies
Simphiwe Masina   Detroit Ladies
Gabisile Hlumbane Kovsies FC
Lebogang Mabatle Hallelujah Zebra Force
Nothando Vilakazi   Palace Super Falcons
MIDFIELDERS  
Mamello Makhabane   Palace Super Falcons
Robyn Moodaly   Dlalantombazana
 Nompumelelo Nyandeni    (Rossiyanka (Russia)
Kylie Ann Louw Stephen Austin University (Texas, USA)
Mary Ntsweng Tshwane University of Technology
Nomathemba Ntsibande   Springs Homesweepers
 Sana Mollo     Bloemfontein Celtics
STRIKERS  
Noko Matlou Brazilians FC
Amanda Dlamini (capt) University of Johannesburg
Zanele Sukazi   University of Johannesburg


safa.net

AAG News-Ghana Heads Out To South Africa Ahead of AAG

Elizabeth Cudjoe

The coach of Ghana's U-23 women's national team,the Black Princesses has named 20 players for the up coming All Africa Games to be held in Maputo,Mozambique.On the eve of the team emplaning for South Africa for a 6 days training tour,Coach Kuuku Dadzie in a statement expresssed satifaction with the team's preparation and emphasized on the hard work and dedication of his team which he hoped will see them through at games.

FC Indiana's,Elizabeth Cudjoe who was invited from the USA to beef up the midfield options of the team, reiterated the coach's sentiments "our main focus is to make history for ourselves and for our country,we have worked very hard and training has been great,we want to do our very best and hopefully bring the cup to Ghana", she said.

The chairman of the Black Princesses management committee wished the team well and adviced them not to rest on their oars but to strive harding in order to make their nation proud.

The assistant coach of the team, Ben Fokuo,expressed gratitude to the GFA and the people of Ghana for the support accorded them.
Fokuo added, " We are ready to fight for the cup in Maputo and with all things being equal advancing beyond the first stage and winning the ultimate is our goal."

The Black Princesses will battle against the likes of South Africa,Zimbabwe and Tanzania in group B.


Ghana squad:

Patricia Mantey, Linda Addai, Portia Boakye, Janet Egyri, Rosemary Ampem, Agnes Aduaku, Grace Asare, Elizabeth Addo, Faiza Ibrahim, Priscilla Saahene, Deborah Afriyie, Hillia Mantenn Kobblah, Mercy Myles, Agnes Qyaye, Nana Ama Asantewaa, Cynthia Adobea, Edem Atovor, Margret Otto, Juliet Achempong, Elizabeth Cudjoe.

AAG News -Algeria Women's Coach Azzedine Chih : "We Will Win It"

Azzedine Chih

The coach of the Algerian women's soccer team,Azzedine Chih In a statement revealed the ambitions of his team at the All Africa Games when he said, " We will play in this competiton without a complex and thoroughly execute our chances in each game with the ultimate aim of going far in the torunament.Our first game is crucial,we will do our best to honor our national flag and give the best possible result.We will win it"

When asked about this thoughts about the opponents, Azzedine Chih mentioned the physical attributes of the competiton but allayed the fears of their fans stating that his team is mentally and physically prepared to engage any team. He stressed on the playing with vigor and execution of chances as their main focus whiles taking the tournament one game at a time.

Having started their preparation for the All Africa Games months ahead with a team comprising players who ply their trade in the Algerian top flight, coach Chih is happy with the response of his players and believes that the camaraderie and unity forged by the players coupled with the zeal to give their best is a sign of the good things to come in Maputo. The Algerian team wrapped up their training tour in the south of France and will be heading out to Maputo for the All African Games. They are grouped with the host nation,Mozambique,Guinea and Cameroon in Group A

Super Falcons step up preparation ahead of Cameroun clash

The Abuja camp of the senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, is a beehive of activities as the coach Eucharia Uche-led team intensifies training for the Olympics qualifier against the Lionesses of Cameroun coming up on August 27 at the Abuja National Stadium.

Uche and members of her team are aware of the enormous task ahead after failing to qualify for next month’s All African Games coming up in Maputo, Mozambique and also failing to live to expectations at the last women’s World Cup in Germany.

Already the gaffer whose contract with the team expired after the Germany World Cup has only been given a 45-days extension by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) thus suggesting that the only way to retain her job will be to qualify the women’s team for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Neighbours, Cameroun could be regarded as a familiar foe to the Falcons with the last meeting both teams being the semi-final clash at last year’s Africa Women’s Championships in South Africa where the Super Falcons thrashed the Indomitable Lionesses by 5-1.

While Uche remains upbeat that Nigeria will get the ticket to London 2012, she was quick to note that it will not just be a stroll in the park.

“The Camerounians are tough customers anytime and they will always give us a fight when we play them, right now we are preparing well for the game and by the grace of God we can be sure of victory” Eucharia enthused.

On the unavailability of most of the invited foreign pros, she explained that the clubs where the players ply their trade are reluctant to release the players as she has now extended the grace to join the camp to August 23.

Uche says she and her assistants will not condone nor tolerate players indiscipline in training and warns any player who wants to play God to have a rethink.

“I do not believe any player is indispensable. No player can hold this team to ransom. No player is bigger than a team and so any player who thinks the team cannot do without her should have a rethink otherwise she will be left out” she said.

With the team’s twice daily training the coaches said they have been able to ascertain the fitness level of each player. Some of the new invitees are finding it difficult to cope with training while the old players have adjusted perfectly to their daily routine.

Players talk tough

Already the players in camp are already talking tough as most of them see the Cameroun game as another chance to prove their mettle.

Delta Queens striker, Desire Oparanozie, has promised to do her best to help Super Falcons qualify for the London 2012 Olympics. Opararnozie who expressed disappointment at her performance at the just concluded Women’s World Cup in Germany appealed to Nigerians to put the World Cup behind them and give the team full support when they take on Cameroun.

“I know Nigerians are sad about our World Cup performance but I promise them that we will put smiles on their faces again by qualifying for the Olympics which will come next year. We are serious with our training because we will surely beat Cameroun,” Oparanozie boasted.

Also Super Falcons attacking midfielder, Ebere Orji, who was part of the team that played at the just concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany says playing in the Olympics will be another dream come true for her.

“Our loss in Ghana means that we will not participate in the forthcoming All Africa Games. That will not repeat itself for the Olympics. After not qualifying for the All Africa Games, I cannot imagine us missing out for the Olympics. Cameroun cannot stop us”

“Aside from the All Africa Games which we did not qualify for, the Olympics is the other championship I have not attended and so we will make sure we pick that ticket to be at next year’s Olympics.”

Ebere is one among the few Super Falcons players who have represented Nigeria at all of the age categories. She has featured at the Under 17 (New Zealand 2008), Under 20 (Chile 2008) and Under 20 (Germany 2010) World Cups. She was also at the Africa Women’s Championship (South Africa 2010) and the FIFA Women’s World Cup (Germany 2011).

Stella Mbachu, Rivers Angels striker and one of the finest players to have played for Super Falcons, says the team did not bargain for its early exit the just Women’s World Cup at the first round:

“That is football; so unpredictable. We believed we would qualify from our group but everything went wrong after losing the first game.

“We surprised Germany in our second match. You know after our friendly with them last year which they beat us 8-0, they thought it would be the same score line. We are proud we played well against Germany; we were not disgraced but rather Germany lost their invincibility. After that match other teams knew that with hard work and determination they can hold their own against them. But the question everyone will ask is: who won? If you play well and you do not win you have not played anything. On that day Germany won not with huge score line but they beat us and we are so sad about that”.

Mbachu, who was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Nigeria’s last match against Canada, said:

“You know that was my last World Cup so I was so happy when I was voted the MVP for that match. We told ourselves we would not leave the tournament without winning a match; that was why we played our hearts out and got the result against Canada.

Safe hands

Meanwhile, the team’s goalkeeper trainer Bala Mohammed Risky, believes the three goalkeepers in camp are fit and ready to take on any opposition.

“For these two weeks we have stayed in camp there is no problem with the goalkeepers, now we have another two weeks to go and I know if there is any problem we will sort that out but I do not foresee any problem.

“My goalkeepers are okay and they are fit. I can only talk about goalkeepers because that is my department”.

On the preparedness of the goalkeepers against Lionesses of Cameroun in the forth coming London 2012 qualifiers, “against Cameroun, my goalkeepers are ready and equal to the task. Anyone I choose on match day will deliver; I have so much confidence in them. We will beat Cameroun” Bala said.
By Tunde Eludini

Banyana Banyana defeat Mozambique in an international friendly match

Banyana Banyana striker Sanah Mollo marked her return to the national senior women’s team by scoring two superb goals in the second half, as the hosts defeated Mozambique 5-0 in an international friendly match played a the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Tshwane.
The match took place on Saturday (20 August 2011).

The win took Banyana Banyana’s 2011 statistics to 11 wins from 13 matches under the guidance of national coach Joseph Mkhonza, who will have a much pleasant homework to do. On Tuesday (23 August 2011), Mkhonza will announce the Banyana Banyana team to take on Ethiopia in an Olympic Qualifier first leg encounter at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto next Saturday.

After a goal-less first 45 minutes, Mkhonza made a host of substitutions with the introduction of teenage midfielder Robyn Moodaly creating a much-needed sense of urgency in the centre of the field.
Five minutes into the second half Nomakhosi Zulu was tackled to the ground from behind by Mozambican defender Ofilia Monjane, resulting in a penalty kick. Experienced midfielder Mamello Makhabane powered the ball home twice – after the penalty had to be retaken after the match official spotted an infringement.

Mollo, was voted as the Players’ Player of the Tournament when she represented her Bloemfontein Celtics club at the Sasol League National Championships held in the Free State capital in June, and she continued her good form by finishing off some fine midfield interplay between Moodaly and Makhabane to double the home team’s lead. This was Mollo’s first appearance of 2011 in a Banyana Banyana jersey after a long-term injury sustained during the national team’s bronze medal-winning performance at the CAF African Women Championship 2010 held in Ekurhuleni.

Some poor Mozambican defensive work allowed Nomathemba Ntsibande to score her first goal for Banyana Banyana to mark her 12th national cap, and a rasping shot from the edge of the Mozambican goal-box by Mollo soon had the South Africans’ 4-0 in the lead.
Moodaly deservedly got on the score-sheet – after firing home from close range – her first international senior level goal in nine appearances.

Despite the absence of Banyana Banyana regulars in strikers, captain Amanda Dlamini and Noko Matlou, plus goal-getter Zanele Sukazi and midfielder Mary Tsweng (all in action for SA at the World Student Games in China), plus midfielders in Russian-based Nompumelelo Nyandeni and US-based Kylie Ann Louw, Banyana Banyana showed character and commitment.

“This was just the boost that the girls needed ahead of Saturday’s Olympic Qualifier against Ethiopia and I hope that the public will get their tickets early at the Sasol Delight Convenience Stores in and around Johannesburg and fill Orlando Stadium to give our players every edge possible to take a step towards achieving the dream of qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics,” said national coach Mkhonza afterwards.

“The national squad will have to keep working hard at training in Potchefstroom next week as there seems to be a queue for places in the final team. It’s a good sign that Banyana Banyana is generating depth by way of player talent.”

safa.net

Algeria Defeated In Triangular Tournament In France

The Algerian national women's soccer team as part of ther preparations towards the All Africa Games took part in a triangular soccer competition in Monteux,on the South of France.

The tournament saw the current European women's champions Olympique Lyonnais and FCF Monteux vying for top honors.The Algerians went down by 5-0 against Olympique Lyonnais with  two goals coming from French international Eugenie Le Sommer in their first game.

In the second game against FCF Monteux, the Algerians showed much omprovement but suuffered a 1-0 loss. Olympique Lyonnais however went on to win the tournament with two wins.

The coach of the Algerian team was optimistic about the teams chances at the forth coming All Africa Games and counted on the response of his team and the experience gathered at  the tournament to see them through at the AAG. Algeria will play against Guinea,Cameroon and host nation Mozambique in Group A at the All Africa Games scheduled to kick off in September.

Mozambique Women U-23 team Beat Brazilian Clubside.

The national u-23 women's national team of Mozambique  beat Brazilian club side Penapolis 4-0 in Sao Paolo,Brazil on Tuesday as part of their preparation towards the All Africa Games scheduled to take place in Maputo,Mozambique in September.

The goals were scored by Mambinhas Parkim Canary(2) and Alvi Jojo(2).The Mambinhas will face Linense Althletic Club in Sao Paolo today and then later engage the U-15,U20 and U-23 sides of  club Corinthians.

The senior women's team of Mozambique also beat Lesotho by 4 goals to nil in Maseru. They will also play agaisnt South Africa's Banyana Banyana on sunday in South Africa.

Europe Based Super Falcons Set To Arrive on August,23

Umea IK's Rita Chikwelu

Super Falcons coach Eucharia Uche has disclosed that her foreign invitees for the August 28 London 2012 Olympic Games qualifier will arrive the country on August 23.

Uche who are currently perfecting tactics with the domestic players in Abuja on how to undo the Cameroonian Indomitable Lionesses in the crucial tie had early given the Europe based players August 18 to join the camp.

The foreign legions invited for the crucial game are veteran forward and reigning African footballer of the year Perpetua Nkwocha, Faith Ikidi, Onome Ebi, Helen Ukaonu, Rita Chikwelu and Emueje Ogbiaagbevba.

On what necessitated the change on the arrival date for the foreign based players, the former Nigerian forward told SuperSport.com that the new date was the time their respective clubs agreed to release them for the national assignment.

“No, they are no more arriving on August 18; they are now expected to arrive on August 23 that is the date their clubs agreed to release them due to club’s engagements.

“We hope on the agreed date the players will arrive in the country so that we can tidy up on our preparations for the game against Cameroon.”

Uche who guided the reigning African champions at the just concluded Fifa Women’s World Cup in Germany is upbeat that her wards will win the contest for the London 2012 Olympics ticket at the expense of Cameroon.

“The domestic players are doing very well in camp, they have continued to improve and impress too.

“The way they are going about the business Cameroon will not escape thorough beating.

“Of course, we appreciate the nation’s concern, we cannot afford to fail them again,” she said.

By Humphrey Njoku

Yola Jafta To Captain Banyana Banyana

 Yola Jafta will replace  captain Amanda Dlamini when Banyana Banyana take on Mozambique in an international friendly in Atteridgeville on Saturday.

Jafta, 20, will earn her 15th cap for the South African women’s team in her first appearance as skipper.

Dlamini and vice-captain Noko Matlou are tied up with other international commitments at the World Student Games in Shenzhen, China.

“It is a great honour for me to be asked to lead Banyana Banyana,” Jafta said on Tuesday.

“It has been an amazing year for Banyana Banyana and the match against Mozambique is a key platform as far as the team’s preparations go for the all-important Olympic Qualifier against Ethiopia the following week.

“With some of the regular players not available for Saturday’s match, it gives a host of newcomers the chance to stake a claim for  possible selection to future Banyana Banyana squads.”   

Banyana are in camp in Potchefstroom ahead of next week’s first-leg qualifier at Orlando Stadium.

Banyana  squad: Thokozile Mndaweni, Andile Dlamini, Sisipho Ntulo, Lebohang Mabotle, Boitumelo Lobunghane, Vuyo Mkhabela, Lebohang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Palesa Mohlabai, Makhosazane Zulu, Simphiwe Masina, Robyn Moodaly, Nomathemba Ntsibande, Yola Jafta, Sanah Mollo, Tina Selepe, Sbongiseni Khamlana, Amanda Sister, Mamello Makhabane, Zama Cele, Martha Mokoma, Yolula Tsawe, Gabisile Hlumbane, Rachel Sebati, Ntshetsana Mputle, Memory Makhanya, Kaylin Swart, Nocawe Skiti, Sisebo Mogatle, Leandra Smeda, Wendy Mdeketshwe, Yolula Tsawe.

South Africa Set To Engage Mozambique In International Friendly

The camp of South Africa's Banyana Banyana at the North West University’s Institute for Sport in Potchefstroom is buzzing with expectation as the team prepares to engage Ethiopia in the final phase of the 2012 Olympic games women's soccer qualifier.Coming from a stunning defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe at final of the 2011 COSAFA women's Cup, South Africa are poised to give the Ethiopians a game of their lives.

It could be recalled that the Ethiopians pulled a shocker against Ghana when they beat the Ghanaians by a lone goal in Addis Ababa and later ended the Olympic dream of the Ghanaians by kicking them out on away goals aggregate.

Though on the quiet,Ethiopia has stepped up their preparations as the team hopes to rely on hard work,the hunger to eclipse their men's national team and their giant killing feat against Ghana to see off the South Africans.

With the Maputo All Africa games just around the corner,the Banyana Banyana are poised to leave no stone unturned as they aim at winning the ultimate prize at the All Africa games and also qualifying for the Olympics for the first time in the country's women's soccer history. 

In view of the task ahead,the Banyana will take on  the All Africa games hosts,Mozambique, led by Maria Mutola at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on the 20th of August,2011 in an international friendly,as a warm up towards the Olympic qualifier game against the highly confident Ethiopians.

Meanwhile Nigeria awaits the response of the South African FA about a proposed international friendly one of which will be full of thrills should South Africa take up the challenge. Ghana on the other hand will embark on a South African training tour ahead of the 2011 All African Games to be held in Maputo,Mozambique.

Franck Rohliceck Douala wins the Cup of Cameroon 2011

For the third consecutive year,the girls from  Rohliceck Franck Academy  won on Saturday,the 2011 edition of the Cup of Cameroon Women's Football tourney.

They beat their counterparts from Canon Sportif of Yaounde by a goal to nil after a very balanced but technical game.The girls of Canon Sportif were first to show how dangerous they could be in the first half when Rohliceck Franck 's Julienne Jumbone's wreckless tackle resulted in an early sending off. The second half saw Rohliceck Franck regrouped to exhibit some scintillating soccer which produced a goal via Diane Tieyom's unstoppable header to put Rohliceck Franck ahead, a lead they held on till the final blast of the whistle signalling the end of proceedings.

courtesy-fecafoot

"Ghana, S/Africa friendlies will help Super Falcons"-NFF

Chikwelu dribbles past Okoe in a past encounter

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said that the proposed friendly matches against the Black Queens of Ghana and the Bayana Bayana of South Africa will help the Falcons prepare for the quest to book a place in the 2012 Olympics.

The Falcons prepare to confront Cameroon September 29 in the first leg of the final to berth a place at the quadrennial event slated for London next year.
Though the Nigerian football governing body has not received any concrete response from both countries, they are optimistic that the deal will materialise.

Expressing worry in Abuja, Deputy Secretary General (Technical) of the NFF, Emmanuel Ipeme said the federation has not received any formal approval from any of the countries contacted, adding that except for the South African Football Association that sent an acknowledgment in the respect of the letter received.

“We want to use the two friendly matches to prepare the Super Falcons for the big task of securing one of the African slots for the Olympics. But as I speak to you now, we have not gotten any response from them, except the South African FA, which only wrote to acknowledge the receipt of our letter, with a promise to communicate to us,” he stated.

But as the Abuja camp of the Falcons remains lively with players fighting for places in the Eucharia Uche-tutored team, and coupled with the arrival of German trainer Thomas Obliers, who just got his contract extended by one month, the African Champions are set to go.

“The girls played well but they have to learn to score goals. If we had scored against France the tournament could have favoured us. Against Germany we had chances to score but could not utilise them. Our fitness was better than that of the Germans, I am surprised we didn’t win that match and as for Canada we should have scored three to four goals,” Obliers had said.

Though the German had told journalist that he was satisfied with the performance of the Falcons at the World Cup, the team owe a duty to prove critics wrong and reassure their teeming supporters that there’s more in the sleeves.
By Innocent Amomoh

Olympic Qualifier :Falcons Intensify Training

Nigeria's senior women's national team, the Super Falcons are intensifying training for the Olympics qualifier game against the Lionesses of Cameroon.


To ensure that they book the Olympic ticket, the team is training twice daily. The coaches are also making sure they ascertain the fitness level of each player.


Already some of the new invitees are finding it difficult to cope with training while the old players have adjusted perfectly to their daily routine.Yesterday morning the team trained in a training match with an U-17 boys team.


Super Falcons media officer, Gracious Akujobi, also confirmed that Stella Mbachu who was excused to rest her leg as a result of slight knock she sustained playing in her club joined her team mates in camp Wednesday night and was part of yesterday morning training session.


by Bassey Ekpo Bassey

Banyana striker aims for top award

As the only female nominee, Banyana Banyana striker Noko Matlou will aim to follow in the footsteps of Paralympic swimmer Natalie du Toit when the Sports Star of the Year is announced at the South African Sports Awards this weekend. 


Matlou, a student at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), will go head to head with US Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, Olympic swimmer Cameron van der Burgh, Protea batsman Hashim Amla and Springbok Sevens star Cecil Afrika.


The 2011 winner will be decided by public vote and announced at a gala event at Sun City on Sunday, August 21.


“I’m honoured and grateful to be a nominee alongside people like Hashim Amla,” said Matlou, a former CAF Women’s Player of the Year.


The Limpopo-born forward played a pivotal role in seeing South Africa to the final of the recent Cosafa Women’s Championship. She was also instrumental in helping Banyana secure the bronze medal at last year’s African Women’s Championship.


The 25-year-old has netted 48 goals in 61 matches for the national team and she said her next goal was to help her team qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games.


Executive director of UJ Sport, Professor Wim Hollander, said Matlou’s nomination was well deserved and a result of her dedication to both her sporting and academic careers.


“Noko is an example to sportsmen and women in this country. She has taken every opportunity she has received and continues to take nothing for granted.”


He said the transport management student remained extremely humble despite her sporting prowess. “In my view, it is because of these attributes that Noko has achieved on the sports field, in the lecture hall and in life.”


Matlou has also been nominated – along with fellow UJ student and national hockey player Pietie Coetzee and javelin thrower Sunette Viljoen – in the Sportswoman of the Year category.


Coetzee made headlines in June against the United States when she broke the world record for the most international test match goals. The previous record of 220, held by Russia’s Natella Krasnikova, stood for 20 years.


Known for her devastating drag-flick, Coetzee’s tally now stands at 225 in 227 tests.


The 32-year-old’s feat is made even more impressive by the fact that she only recently returned to international hockey last year after a five-year hiatus.


Another of the university’s hockey achievers, Silver Malele, is being recognised in the Sports Volunteer category for his coaching work with the Diepsloot-based Silver Stars.


He has been nominated beside korfballer Christiaan Thyse and angler Pieter Visagie.


The tertiary institution also has three disabled nominees in Lucas Sithole, Samkelo Radebe and Kgothatso Montjane.


Sithole, the country’s top-ranked quadriplegic tennis player, and Radebe, a double-arm amputee and SA record-holder in the T45 100m and 200m sprints, are up against visually impaired athlete Hilton Langenhoven for the title of Sportsman of the Year with a Disability.


In the women’s section, number one wheelchair-tennis player Montjane faces off against swimmers Du Toit and Emily Gray.


Hollander said for these student-athletes to be recognised while balancing academic and sporting careers speaks volumes about their character.


KICK OFF

Ministry of Social Affairs and Advancement of Women Honors E.Guinea's WNT

It is always a wonderful feeling to be recognized by your country after serving selflessless in what ever capacity. An even more special feeling is the acknowledgment received from fellow women of your country and so, when the women of the Equatorial Guinea national soccer team returned home after the 2011 FIFA women's world cup, the goverment accorded them the warmest welcome with the showering of praises and some cash incentives.

At a ceremony organized in honor of the national women's soccer team,the welcoming remarks were given by the Secretary of State for Sports, Ruslan Obiang Nsue. Then came the presentation of gifts by the First and Third Deputy Prime Ministers, Aniceto Ebiaca Mohete and Salomón Nguema Owono, respectively.Subsequently, the Minister of Social Affairs and Promotion of Women, Eulalia Envo Bela,presented to the players, an amount of money contributed by various individuals and associations, of which 80% was raised by the women of Equatorial Guinea as a token of their appreciation of the efforts put in by the players and officials of the women's national soccer team at the world cup in Germany.

Finally, the team's captains were presented with an of the amount of 13,230,000 CFA.($ 30,000 app) The players thanked the Government of the Republic and the general public  and vowed to continue working hard to achieve the greatest success for Equatorial Guinea in future.

Below are some photos from the ceremony :

Sex Scandals Are Rampant In Female Football —Mansur Abdullahi

Mansur Abdullahi is the former Super Falcons' assistant coach to Uche Eucharia-led technical crew. He was relieved of his appointment in a controversial manner alongside his boss, Uche and some other members for alleged indiscipline. While his boss was recalled to the Super Falcons as chief coach and others moved to other national teams, he was abandoned. In this exclusive interview with Leadership Weekend's Salifu Usman, he opens up on his controversial removal and other issues.

How does it feel to be part of the Super Falcons' technical crew that were wrongly dismissed by former NFF board?

I can't say wrongly but somehow, it happened that I was the only person that was not recalled back after our suspension during the Sani Lulu led board.


Do you feel any form of victimisation especially after those who were alleged to have committed the same offence as you were recalled to national teams?


That was a clear picture of what happened, but I don't want to mention names here. That very time, I sustained an injury while on national duty which up till this moment, was not treated. But one way or the other, somebody felt I was not supposed to be there and was sent packing. As a Muslim, I have taken it in good fate and sees it as the will of God.


I give God the glory that I was sent packing from the Super Falcons not because of sex scandal or bribery which is very rampant in our national teams. I started from the youth U-13 female team before I was moved to the male U-13 team. After a stint with male the U-13 team, I was appointed assistant coach to the Super Falcons team B and from there, I was drafted to the Super Falcons to assist Uche Eucharia. In all my assignments with the national teams, I have never been found wanting of anything, either on sex scandal which is so rampant in this country, especially in female teams.


What really happened then?


During the NFF board under Sani Lulu, we used FIFA Goal project training pitch at the National Stadium, Abuja for training. Also, the FIFA U-17 World Cup was about to be hosted in Nigeria and all the national teams including the male U-13 team, the Golden Eaglets and Super Falcons were camping in Abuja and we were all using one training pitch which was the Goal Project for training. The U-13 team had trained from 6:00am to 8:00am in morning and we were supposed to start training from 8:30 to 10:30am, but 10 minutes after 8:00 am, they said Lulu visited the training site and could not see any of us, that we were late for the training despite arriving the training venue 15 minutes after 8:00 am.


On that very fateful day, there was also a heavy downpour and we had no competition at hand. The ethics of the job said that, if it is raining and you have not started training, you suspend the training because you will not get the best of the players and besides, these were female players. You cannot imaging how many of them were having their monthly period. The secretary of the team then did not stay in the camp with us. All he does was to come to the hotel in the morning with the driver to pick the team doctor to the field and leaving the technical crew behind.


So, there was no proper communication between us and the football house. We were not even informed that the president of the federation is going to visit the team and if it is not an act of sabotage, I expected that we should have been properly communicated to that the president of the federation is going to visit or watch the team training by this date and time. But somehow, somebody just came and said we were late for training and were all suspended.


I respect Amanze Uchegbulam, Sani Lulu and even Taiwo Ogunjobi who was the technical committee chairman then. Lulu said he was not going to sack anybody but will spread us across all the national teams and Ogunjobi said he should leave us to work. But to our surprise, in September or October 2009, they asked all of us to go, that they will get back at us. Before that, James Peter who was the secretary of the technical committee, asked us to write on how we think the Super Falcons can be revived. We all wrote and submitted it to him


After submitting the documents in October, I heard that there was going to be an interview for national team coaches' job and everybody including my colleagues who were suspended, were invited and I was not. Some friends and best wishers said I should just go there and try my luck, but I said no. since I was not invited for the interview, I will not go there to beg for a job. I know my capability and if they can't invite me for the job on merit, I will not beg them for the it. That was how I left the national team and as I said earlier, I give God the glory that I did not leave the national team because of sex scandal or bribery or insubordination. Nobody can walk to me and say this was my offence or this was why I left the national team.


You keep mentioning sex scandal. Were there any such cases in the national teams?


There were sex scandal and bribery in our national teams and some of us have been sent packing because of it, but I don't want to mention names. Some coaches have also been sent packing from the national team because of indiscipline and insubordination to their superior. Uche Eucharia is still alive and anybody can find out from her if I have ever been rude or disobedient to her.


Up till this moment, I still call her and she picks my calls even when she is outside this country for any tournament. She calls me her brother and I call her my sister, because we both had a good working relationship.I am very proud of myself that throughout my years in female football, no player has accused me of any sexual attempt on her or that I collected bribery from her, even at the club level. If a player is good, she is good, I don't need to approach her for sex or money to make my team. In 2009, I was humiliated in Bayelsa Queens just because of a player who was sent packing by the management for indiscipline and to turn me to help her with all sorts of promises, including offering herself to me, but I resisted all her attempts and said, 'no'. Before I knew it, she sent hoodlums to attack me. It was reported in Sporting life and Sun Newspapers of December 2009. I have the documents there in my house to show anybody.


After your exit from the Super Falcons, it has been a mixture of success and failure for the team. Do you think you would have made a difference with the team especially at the World Cup in which they were sent packing at the group stage?


It was unfortunate that the team did not go beyond first round at the World Cup and I don't think I would have made any difference because I was to assist the coach. Even after I was sent packing from the team, I still give my contributions to the technical crew. Any time there was competition, I do call Uche and advice her on what to do. It is a team work and as far as I am concern, this was the best result the team has recorded so far in FIFA women World Cup. Go and check the record. In 2003 what happened? In 2007 it was total a embarrassment to the whole country because instead of playing their game, they were busy fighting on bonuses and allowances in South Korea. That was why you saw us conceding 5-0, 4-0 and 6-0 against our opponents.


In the last tournament the highest goal we conceded against an opponent was 1-0. The last time we played Canada in 2007, it was a draw, but in our last match we beat them, which was a great improvement from the past. So, I believe the team has done their best and if given the chance, I can still make my contribution to the team.


What have you been doing since then?


After my being sent packing from the national team?


Yes...


It is not over until it is over. After I was sent packing from the national team, I applied for a job at Sunshine Queens but unfortunately, I was not given because of Nigerian factors. I still went to Bayelsa Queens and out 10 people that applied for the job; I was given a job as technical adviser of Bayelsa Queens. But before the season came to an end, I was fired again by the club management. Not because I didn't do my job well but for a reason and mentality I can't really explain.


I came back home and I just can't stay like that. I went back to my youth academy, Puma based in Karu, Abuja. When I was in town, everyone knew about Puma Academy and this was a place where people like Nosa Igebor, Rabiu Ibrahim, Danjuma Paul, Solomon Owelo, Kenneth Omerou and Sani Tairu who just made the U-20 national team to Columbia passed though, they are my products.


I also assist my friends, Alaba Yahaya who is the chief coach of Supreme Court football club. I approached him to give my contribution to the team and he accepted me. I am so happy that I am in voluntary service to Supreme Court FC and they don't pay me but appreciate my contributions. I remain grateful to the chief coach who is also the chairman of FCT Football Coaches Association, other members of the technical crew, the players and his former sports club officials for giving me the chance to showcase my talent.


Interview by Salifu Usman