American 'food' for thought for Nigerian FA

Just a few more weeks to the 2006 FIFA Under-20 Women's World soccer championship, the Nigerian team is still in Lagos looking for a place to actually train and shape up. Some reports have it that the team, having been chased out of the Airforce Base pitch, have decided to move their sessions to that of the Police College, both in Ikeja.

We also learnt that some of the players who are expected to dorn the nation's colours at the Russian Fifa soccer showcase, have been directed by the Nigerian FA to procure their visas to Russia from their respective bases in Europe and "join the rest of the squad in the host nation."

Such non-challance characterized our preparation for the last World Cup Finals in Germany for which the Super Eagles could not qualify.

Meanwhile, according to fifa reports have it that, the American women team to the same championship, have had "months of residency training camps in California, scores of friendlies against top competition and a squad considered as one of the strongest in the women's youth ranks, the USA - U-19 world champions in 2002 - will be among the favourites heading into the new-look FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship next month in Russia."

Head coach Tim Schulz the report continued, " last month saw his youngsters get the better of Thailand 2004 surprise finalists China PR in a friendly in New Jersey. Having drawn 3-3 after 90 minutes, both sides agreed to play overtime in order to simulate the rigours of a competitive match.

The Americans, despite not having things all their own way, then went on to win 5-3.Jordan Angeli, 17-year-old Casey Nogueira, and Thailand 2004 veteran and US senior national team player Amy Rodriguez all scored in regular time, but could not resist an impressive Chinese fightback before the 90th minute. It took goals from Kelley O'Hara and Lauren Cheney to seal the deal in the two extra-time periods.

Despite the up-and-down nature of the result and the discomfort of conceding three goals on the day, Schulz is still convinced his team - who have been on and off in full-residency training camps for the better part of the year and played no less than 50 matches since January - are in good shape heading into the 16-team finals in Russia.

With six members of the team having already lined up at a FIFA World Championship in Thailand two years ago, the coach is convinced experience could make all the difference. "I think we will have the advantage in terms of experience," he said, aware that fellow group D opponents Congo DR are first timers.

"Our players are used to playing competitive games either in regional championships or with their University teams. And for some of them it will be their second World Championship. I think my players will have more composure and savvy than some of the others.

But France, Argentina and Congo (Group B opponents) will be desperate to beat us and we will have to be careful."

After training camps in Germany, Brazil and Finland, in addition to those at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles, the Americans will be one of the most prepared sides heading to Russia.

And hoping to bounce back from the disappointing semi-final exit at the hands of eventual champions Germany in Thailand 2004 and regain the form that saw them win the U-19 FIFA Women's World Championship in Canada in 2002, the players are taking nothing for granted...then where is our country and what are the administrators doing to ensure that, our girls do not go to Russia as mere spectators and an embarrassment to us all?

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American 'food' for thought for Nigerian FA

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