I’m in control of Falcons, says Mabo

Ismaila Mabo, spoke with nigeriasports.com shortly before leaving for London for the international friendly match between Nigeria and England which the Falcons won 3-0.

He told nigeriasports.com that he is fully in charge of the team, denying that cliques are almost tearing the side apart.

“The players are all happy, there is no problem in the team and the players are looking forward to a good outing in Athens. It all behoves on the FA to organize friendly matches for the team after our match against England, because that is the only way my girls can be exposed to football at the highest level”

On the captain’s band issue, Mabo said the Nigerian press is as usual trying to create a controversy that does not exist.

“Rather than talk about who captains the team I think we should be more concerned with how well the play at the Olympic Games. I have said it time without number that as far as I am concerned it is not an issue and would not be willing to speak on it again.”

Promises a better Olympics

As usual, he promised that the team would do much better than they did at the Sydney Olympics.

“Last time out we lost three games we played by a 1-3 margin, but 2004 is much different from 2000 so I am optimistic. We have come of age and I know we would do better than last time.”

Insists on building new team

Mabo said he is on course to build a team that will do the nation proud as he has promised in Athens.

“It is not about disbanding this side and starting afresh as some coaches would do, but I hope that as we play friendly games, I will continue to infuse more players into the team until I get the perfect blend.”

“For the England game, I invited Denmark based Ndidi Kanu and Stella Godwin, while Gloria Usieta was invited from Greece. I also made out invitations to Olaitan Yusuf so you can see I know what I am doing.”