Falcons promise 2004 AWC title Players and officials of the Falcons told nigeriasports.com that the only thing on their minds is total victory to retain their place as the number one female football playing nation in the continent. “Well, we will win, or do you have any other ideas?” defender Faith Ikidi asked. “The experience of the last Cup and Olympics were good for me, personally and I would not be under any fears in South Africa.” “We are going to do our very best and we know that god willing, we will win again in South Africa,” Midfielder, Ajuma Ameh enthused. “We just hope that we will get enough support from Nigerians and enough exposure from the press.” Ajuma said. Coach Godwin Izilien is under no illusions as to the enormity of the task ahead in South Africa. “We know all eyes will be on us, after all we have been the only winners of the competition and have been beaten only once in Africa since 1991 and having said that I want to add that we are ready for the task ahead.” “Ghana, South Africa, no threats”- Izilien The Nigerian handler told nigeriasports.com that he sees Ghana, South Africa and Cameroon as the only teams on the continent that can give the Falcons a run for their money but he will not lose sleep over them. “We heard the Ghanaian team have been in South Africa about two weeks now and have been offered lot of money to win the cup, but all I can say is that I like the courage of the Ghanaian Government to encourage their team but by the team we finish with them, I think they will have a good story to tell their people back home.” “We are going to beat Ghana if they are unfortunate to meet us at any point in the competition; we will crush them, though we will not take any team for granted. The Cameroonians and South Africans are sides we should also watch out for” “And I hear people say we will be under pressure to win the Championship for the fourth consecutive time but I do not agree with that. I am taking this competition like any other. We are the champions and of course we will work harder like true champions to retain the trophy.” New Falcons new ambitions Twelve out of the eighteen players on Nigeria’s roster will be playing in the African women Championships for the first time, while Rachel Asabor and Ropo Ojo have never before played for Nigeria. However, attacker, Vera Okolo says all that will not be a problem. “I know we have a new team, but the only thing constant in life is change. The likes of Mercy Akide, Maureen Mmadu and Rita Nwadike will be missed in South Africa but any one who wears the Green white Green shirts and shorts are representing Nigeria so we will not disappoint.” “I may have been at the World Cup and Olympics but this is my first African Women Championships and I must say it would be a wonderful experience. I do not see any one of us, not me or any of the players under pressure.” Faith Ikidi was at the last World Cup and didn’t get to play but between then and now, she has grown into one of the most reliable defenders on the African Continent. “It had always been my dream to represent Nigeria at the top, but some how mine went the other way round as I played at the World Cup first, then the Olympics and now the African Championships and I can only do my best. We may not have the experience of the likes of Omagbemi and the other foreign based dropped from the squad, but we still have the Nigerian determination to excel.” “I see the South Africans as our major threats though, but we will make it through and get the trophy.” Nigeria’s team to South Africa Goal keepers: Oge Onyinanya- Pelican Stars, Precious Dede- Delta Queens Defenders: Faith Ikidi- Bayelsa Queens, Yinka Kudaisi- Pelican Stars, Ayi Yusuf- Delta Queens, Bunmi Kayode- Delta Queens, Kike Ajayi- Police Machine, Rachel Asabor- Pelican Stars, Ropo Ojo- Police MAchine Midfielders: Ajuma Ameh- Pelican Stars, Effioawan Ekpo- Pelican Stars, Akudo Sabi- Bayelsa Queens, Ijeoma Obi- Delta Queens, Titi Mekuleyi- Pelican Stars, Esoghe Osaigbovo- Pelican Stars
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