This is a great Falcons side- Akide

Akide told nigeriasports.com that the 2004 team is a blend of youth and experience and are fully fit, having had enough time together training and having  had the opportunity to play top class friendly matches.

“This is a great side that will go places and we believe this years Olympics will be a good place to showcase our talent.”

She frowned at insinuations by other African Country’s who looked at Nigeria’s performance in the last World Cup to say that Nigeria has not represented Africa well in recent times.

“We will represent well. We will do well. But we want to take one game at a time. We will have fun and win games, just wait and see.”

“In the last World Cup, a lot of issues were bungled by the administrators and most of the players were either down with injury or not fully fit for the Mundial.”

“This time it is different because for the first time the players stayed together in camp for two months and we had the chance to play friendly matches against England and Germany which puts the girls in tip top shape.”

Inexperience not a problem

With the team having a lot of players new on the international scene, Akide holds no fears as to their ability to make a statement on the big occasion.

“Younger players like Oge, Faith, Sabi, Ajuma and Vera Okolo will not feel out of place because we are always there to guide them. In this team there is no old and young player since we are one unit and nothing separates one from the other.”

“I have a good relationship with the younger players and I believe other like Rita NWadike, Stella Mbachu and Maureen Mmadu should have same.”