Former Nigerian goalkeeper, Dosu Joseph believes the Super Falcons friendly game against USA will help the team prepare properly for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup slated for Australia and New Zealand.
Recall that Nigeria failed to win a medal at the just concluded 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where the team failed to defend their crown.
The Super Falcons lost 1-0 to Zambia in the Third-Place match after losing 5-4 on penalties to Morocco in the Semi-Final.
However, with just few months to the clash against the World champions, Dosu in a chat with Completesports.com stated that the game will help the coach, Randy Waldrum to further identify the strengths and weaknesses of the team.
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“The 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has come and gone and focus now should be on how to prepare the team for the 2023 Women’s World Cup
“I really don’t think the team needs to be overhaul even though I know few changes will be done before the competition. However, the friendly game against USA will further help the coach to identify the strength and weaknesses of his team.
“This will now afford him the opportunity to make amendment that will improve the team.”
The first friendly, according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), will take place at the Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas on September 3rd.
The second duel between both countries will hold three days later at the Audi Field in Washington D.C.
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*Fabulous Players Open To Waldrum*
Although Olympic Gold Medallist Joseph Dosu does not recommend a massive overhaul to the Super Falcons team ahead of next years women’s world cup, it will still be helpful to inject fresh faces in various departments of the team.
Additionally, I will not advocate the sacking of Randy Waldrum just because of the Super Falcons’ miserable outing at the just concluded Wafcon where they finished empty-handed despite pre-tournament hype by the NFF and players themselves.
The world cup is a different kettle of fish and I think what is required is to mould the Super Falcons into an outfit that will be difficult to break down. If the NFF sacks Waldrum and brings in Guardiola and Kopp, I do not think even these gladiators will steer the Super Falcons to win the World Cup.
We need to be modest in our expectations.
With Waldrum and his capable assistant Lauren Gregg, I think – between them – they can fashion out a way of making the Super Falcons difficult to beat at the World Cup.
One thing about Waldrum that angers Super Falcons fans is his underwhelming CV. Many fans question the wisdom of hiring a college coach for a national team that expects to leave its mark in major tournaments.
However, his assistant Lauren Gregg is more than capable.
She was twice the interim coach of the USA women’s national team. She was assistant coach when USA demolished the Super Falcons 7-1 at the 1999 women’s world cup on the way to winning the tournament. Lauren also had a stint as the head coach of the USA Under-20 women’s team.
I kind of think that Nigeria fans would have preferred her appointment as Super Falcons coach rather than Waldrum. But is is good to see that Waldrum consults her regularly during matches, so, her input definitely has weight with him.
So I believe between them, they can craft the Super Falcons into a team that will hold its own in Australia and New Zealand next year.
They just need to inject some fresh legs into the team and utilise a pragmatic formula that will make the best use of players at the disposal of the Super Falcons at this time.
And, make no mistake about it, there are some exciting prospects waiting to strut their stuff in Super Falcons colours.
Five of these are:
1. Roosa Ariyo: the 28 year old Finnish-Nigerian bulky centre forward is a battering ram in opposition box 18. She already has 1 cap for Nigeria against Jamaica last year.
If she remains active in the coming months, it will not be a bad idea to hand her a call up to some of the scheduled friendly matches.
Roosa’s highlights:
https://youtu.be/pKgkO2SYjLc
2. Patricia George: the 25 year old American-Nigerian striker is another option for the Super Falcons upfront. She combines silky movements with a killer instinct in front of goal. George already has a cap for Nigeria against Uzbekistan last year.
If she remains fit and available, then Super Falcons consideration will not be a bad idea.
3. Onyinyechi Zogg: the 25 year old Swiss-Nigerian centre back should by now be in the later stages of her recovery from injury. With the skill to sense danger and ability to execute appropriate defensive manoeuvres, Salome is a delightful sight to behold.
Once she becomes active, the national team handlers should definitely look her her way.
4. Onyi Echegini: I am truly excited about this 21 year old English-Nigerian winger/striker/midfielder. She is such an exciting bundle of talent and she brings value to the Super Falcons in the way of her versatility and fluidity with the ball.
It took only a few minutes of a cameo against Canada this year for her to bend an audacious curler on goal.
If Onyi remains active and available then she should be tracked, monitored and invited.
Onyi’s highlights:
https://youtu.be/mOWqrIdt-8M
5. Esther Okoronkwo: the 25 year old Abia born American based player is one of the most technically gifted center midfielders available to the Super Falcons at this time.
She is composed, cool, calm and collected with the ball in the middle of the park. Esther is progressive in her play with an eye to spot opening to deliver delicate passes.
I honestly don’t know why she was overlooked for the just concluded Wafcon. Already with 3 caps against her name, I think Esther should be on the plane to Australia next year if she stays fit.
With too many exciting indigenous and dual nationality players to pick from, alongside tantalising prospects from the Falconets and Flamingos, Waldrum and Gregg have enough pool of quality players to pick from.
Deo, Esther was not overlooked for WAFCON. She’s currently out injured. If not for the injury she would have been a starter at the WAFCON.
Thank you so much for the information Adisboy. I was rather shocked because she was a key part of Waldrum’s pre-wafcon set up in midfield. She was solid, astute and classy in the execution of her midfield role.
With players like Esther Okoronkwo, Nigeria can ruffle a few feathers in the world cup.
Just imagine this line up:
Goalkeeper :
– Chiamaka Nnadozie
Wingbacks:
– Tony Payne
– Michelle Alozie
Centre Backs:
– Ashleigh Plumptre
– Glory Ogbonna
– Osinachi Ohale
Centre Defensive Midfield:
– Christie Ucheibe
Attacking Midfield:
– Esther Okoronkwo
– Rasheedat Ajibade
Centre Forwards:
– Uchenna Kanu
– Ifeoma Onumonu
Now, isn’t that a strong starting 11?
*Fabulous Players Open To Waldrum*
Although Olympic Gold Medallist Joseph Dosu does not recommend a massive overhaul to the Super Falcons team ahead of next years women’s world cup, it will still be helpful to inject fresh faces in various departments of the team.
Additionally, I will not advocate the sacking of Randy Waldrum just because of the Super Falcons’ miserable outing at the just concluded Wafcon where they finished empty-handed despite pre-tournament hype by the NFF and players themselves.
The world cup is a different kettle of fish and I think what is required is to mould the Super Falcons into an outfit that will be difficult to break down. If the NFF sacks Waldrum and brings in Guardiola and Kopp, I do not think even these gladiators will steer the Super Falcons to win the World Cup.
We need to be modest in our expectations.
With Waldrum and his capable assistant Lauren Gregg, I think – between them – they can fashion out a way of making the Super Falcons difficult to beat at the World Cup. One thing about Waldrum that angers Super Falcons fans is his CV. Many fans question the wisdom of hiring a college coach for a national team that expects to leave its mark in major tournaments.
However, his assistant Lauren Gregg is more than capable.
She was twice the interim coach of the USA women’s national team. She was assistant coach when USA demolished the Super Falcons 7-1 at the 1999 women’s world cup on the way to winning the tournament. Lauren also had a stint as the head coach of the USA Under-20 women’s team.
I kind of think that Nigeria fans would have preferred her appointment as Super Falcons coach rather than Waldrum. But is is good to see that Waldrum consults her regularly during matches, so, her input definitely has weight with him.
So I believe between them, they can craft the Super Falcons into a team that will hold its own in Australia and New Zealand next year.
They just need to inject some fresh legs into the team and utilise a pragmatic formula that will make the best use of players at the disposal of the Super Falcons at this time.
And, make no mistake about it, there are some exciting prospects waiting to strut their stuff in Super Falcons colours.
Some of these are:
1 Roosa Ariyo: the 28 year old Finnish-Nigerian bulky centre forward is a battering ram in opposition box 18. She already has 1 cap for Nigeria against Jamaica last year.
If she remains active in the coming months, it will not be a bad idea to hand her a call up to some of the scheduled friendly matches.
https://youtu.be/pKgkO2SYjLc
2 Patricia George: the 25 year old American-Nigerian striker is another option for the Super Falcons upfront. She combines silky movements with a killer instinct in front of goal. George already has a cap for Nigeria against Uzbekistan last year.
If she remains fit and available, then Super Falcons consideration will not be a bad idea.
3 Onyinyechi Zogg: the 25 year old Swiss-Nigerian centre back should by now be in the later stages of her recovery from injury. With the skill to sense danger and ability to execute appropriate defensive manoeuvres, Salome is a delightful sight to behold.
Once she becomes active, the national team handlers should definitely look her her way.
4 Onyi Echegini: I am truly excited about this 21 year old English-Nigerian winger/striker/midfielder. She is such an exciting bundle of talent and she brings value to the Super Falcons in the way of her versatility and fluidity with the ball.
It took only a few minutes of a cameo against Canada this year for her to bend an audacious curler on goal.
If Onyi remains active and available then she should be tracked, monitored and invited.
https://youtu.be/mOWqrIdt-8M
5 Esther Okoronkwo: the 25 year old Abia born American based player is one of the most technically gifted center midfielders available to the Super Falcons at this time. She is composed, cool, calm and collected with the ball in the middle of the park. Esther is progressive in her play with an eye to spot opening to deliver delicate passes.
I honestly don’t know why she was overlooked for the just concluded Wafcon. Already with 3 caps against her name, I think Esther should be on the plane to Australia next year if she stays fit.
With too many exciting indigenous and dual nationality players to pick from, alongside tantalising prospects from the Falconets and Flamingos, Waldrum and Gregg have enough pool of quality players to pick from.
Part One:
Although Olympic Gold Medallist Joseph Dosu does not recommend a massive overhaul to the Super Falcons team ahead of next years women’s world cup, it will still be helpful to inject fresh faces in various departments of the team.
Additionally, I will not advocate the sacking of Randy Waldrum just because of the Super Falcons’ miserable outing at the just concluded Wafcon where they finished empty-handed despite pre-tournament hype by the NFF and players themselves.
The world cup is a different kettle of fish and I think what is required is to mould the Super Falcons into an outfit that will be difficult to break down. If the NFF sacks Waldrum and brings in Guardiola and Kopp, I do not think even these gladiators will steer the Super Falcons to win the World Cup.
We need to be modest in our expectations.
With Waldrum and his capable assistant Lauren Gregg, I think – between them – they can fashion out a way of making the Super Falcons difficult to beat at the World Cup. One thing about Waldrum that angers Super Falcons fans is his CV. Many fans question the wisdom of hiring a college coach for a national team that expects to leave its mark in major tournaments.
However, his assistant Lauren Gregg is more than capable.
She was twice the interim coach of the USA women’s national team. She was assistant coach when USA demolished the Super Falcons 7-1 at the 1999 women’s world cup on the way to winning the tournament. Lauren also had a stint as the head coach of the USA Under-20 women’s team.
I kind of think that Nigeria fans would have preferred her appointment as Super Falcons coach rather than Waldrum. But is is good to see that Waldrum consults her regularly during matches, so, her input definitely has weight with him.
So I believe between them, they can craft the Super Falcons into a team that will hold its own in Australia and New Zealand next year.
They just need to inject some fresh legs into the team and utilise a pragmatic formula that will make the best use of players at the disposal of the Super Falcons at this time.
And, make no mistake about it, there are some exciting prospects waiting to strut their stuff in Super Falcons colours.
Part Two:
Some of these are:
1. Roosa Ariyo: the 28 year old Finnish-Nigerian bulky centre forward is a battering ram in opposition box 18. She already has 1 cap for Nigeria against Jamaica last year.
If she remains active in the coming months, it will not be a bad idea to hand her a call up to some of the scheduled friendly matches.
https://youtu.be/pKgkO2SYjLc
2. Patricia George: the 25 year old American-Nigerian striker is another option for the Super Falcons upfront. She combines silky movements with a killer instinct in front of goal. George already has a cap for Nigeria against Uzbekistan last year.
If she remains fit and available, then Super Falcons consideration will not be a bad idea.
3. Onyinyechi Zogg: the 25 year old Swiss-Nigerian centre back should by now be in the later stages of her recovery from injury. With the skill to sense danger and ability to execute appropriate defensive manoeuvres, Salome is a delightful sight to behold.
Once she becomes active, the national team handlers should definitely look her her way.
4. Onyi Echegini: I am truly excited about this 21 year old English-Nigerian winger/striker/midfielder. She is such an exciting bundle of talent and she brings value to the Super Falcons in the way of her versatility and fluidity with the ball.
It took only a few minutes of a cameo against Canada this year for her to bend an audacious curler on goal.
If Onyi remains active and available then she should be tracked, monitored and invited.
https://youtu.be/mOWqrIdt-8M
5. Esther Okoronkwo: the 25 year old Abia born American based player is one of the most technically gifted center midfielders available to the Super Falcons at this time. She is composed, cool, calm and collected with the ball in the middle of the park. Esther is progressive in her play with an eye to spot opening to deliver delicate passes.
I honestly don’t know why she was overlooked for the just concluded Wafcon. Already with 3 caps against her name, I think Esther should be on the plane to Australia next year if she stays fit.
With too many exciting indigenous and dual nationality players to pick from, alongside tantalising prospects from the Falconets and Flamingos, Waldrum and Gregg have enough pool of quality players to pick from.
Part Two
Some of these are:
1, Roosa Ariyo: the 28 year old Finnish-Nigerian bulky centre forward is a battering ram in opposition box 18. She already has 1 cap for Nigeria against Jamaica last year.
If she remains active in the coming months, it will not be a bad idea to hand her a call up to some of the scheduled friendly matches.
https://youtu.be/pKgkO2SYjLc
2, Patricia George: the 25 year old American-Nigerian striker is another option for the Super Falcons upfront. She combines silky movements with a killer instinct in front of goal. George already has a cap for Nigeria against Uzbekistan last year.
If she remains fit and available, then Super Falcons consideration will not be a bad idea.
Part 3
3. Onyinyechi Zogg: the 25 year old Swiss-Nigerian centre back should by now be in the later stages of her recovery from injury. With the skill to sense danger and ability to execute appropriate defensive manoeuvres, Salome is a delightful sight to behold.
Once she becomes active, the national team handlers should definitely look her her way.
4. Onyi Echegini: I am truly excited about this 21 year old English-Nigerian winger/striker/midfielder. She is such an exciting bundle of talent and she brings value to the Super Falcons in the way of her versatility and fluidity with the ball.
It took only a few minutes of a cameo against Canada this year for her to bend an audacious curler on goal.
If Onyi remains active and available then she should be tracked, monitored and invited.
https://youtu.be/mOWqrIdt-8M
5. Esther Okoronkwo: the 25 year old Abia born American based player is one of the most technically gifted center midfielders available to the Super Falcons at this time. She is composed, cool, calm and collected with the ball in the middle of the park. Esther is progressive in her play with an eye to spot opening to deliver delicate passes.
I honestly don’t know why she was overlooked for the just concluded Wafcon. Already with 3 caps against her name, I think Esther should be on the plane to Australia next year if she stays fit.
Conclusion:
With too many exciting indigenous and dual nationality players to pick from, alongside tantalising prospects from the Falconets and Flamingos, Randy Waldrum and his world cup winning assistant Lauren Gregg have enough pool of quality players to pick from.
They have no excuse for lame insipid performances at the World Cup. They just need to be pragmatic and defensive (like Someone’s Atletico Madrid) in their approach against the bigger teams. With that approach, the Super Falcons came within a whisker of defeating heavyweights Canada in their own backyard earlier this year.