Falconnets coach defends player invitation

The assistant coach of Nigeria’s women under twenty national team, Falconets, Rowlandson Odeh has reacted to allegations that the team to prosecute the April 2 world cup qualifying match is full of over aged players.

Rita Chikwelu (right) returns to the team
Rowlandson Odey told nigeriasports.com that as far as he is concerned he played according to the rules in the invitation of players.

Nigeriasports.com investigations reveal that of the thirty players invited to the team, Akudo Sabi played in the 2002 and 2004 edition, even though her age is listed as 17/11/1986 which means she is still eligible.

Cynthia Uwak played in the 2002 and 2004 editions and her age is listed as 15/07/1986, while Stella Godwin featured in the 2004 edition and her age is listed as 12/04/1986.

Titilayo Mekuleyi played in 2002 and her age is listed as 14/07/1986.

Other players in the team with doubtful eligibility are Maureen
Eke, who first came into the scene as a striker for Rivers Angels about seven years ago.

To this Rowlandson Odeh says he picks players based on their ages and their passports signify they are within the age limit.

“The rules say any player born after 1st January 1986 is eligible and it is good your investigations do not show otherwise.”

“There is also no rule against players featuring in more than one edition of the competion as long as they are under the age limit.”

But would doing a thing like this not be anti-progressive to Nigerian football when there are younger players who have many more years to play that could be called into the team?

“My list is not anti-progressive, I work with the best players under the age limit and that is what I have right now.”

“The players I have picked qualify to play and right now they are the best Nigeria has under the age category.”

Super Falconets team list

The players are, Florence Osuagwu, Oluchi Tochukwu, Chioma Ajagba, Gladys Ogalabu, Rita Chikwelu, Akudo Sabi, Cynthia Uwak, Chima Nwosu, Muareen Eke, Stella Godwin, Faith Ikidi, Ulumma Jerome, Blessing Akusobi, Titilayo Mekuleyi, Biodun Obende, Gladys Akpa, Chizoma Okparaocha, Margret Ezemo, Cecilia Nku, Idogeyen Isaac, Chinasa Iheeenewerem, Onyinye Ohaduoga, Prisca Echendu, Grace Adisa, Rosemary Okezie, Twa Ishola, Dorcas Ariba and Chioma
Nwabueze.

The technical crew is made up of Emmanuel Teteh Okonwo, chief coach; Rolandson Odeh, Assistant coach; Eucharia Uche, assistant coach; Jamila Buhari, team co-ordinator, and Hannatu Yusuf as team secretary.