Nigeria’s U-20 women football squad, the Super Falconets, flew back home penultimate Wednesday with another silver medal clinched at this year’s FIFA World Cup Tournament staged in Canada. The Nigerian girls fought like Amazons from the their first match against Mexico which they drew and went on to rout their subsequent opponents that included power houses like England, New Zealand and North Korea en route to the grand finale.
The outcome of the final showdown with their arch foes, the German Machines, which was decided at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal on Sunday, August 24, 2014, did not reflect the great efforts put in by the Falconets. They outplayed the eventual winners in all departments of the game and dragged the proceedings into extra time only to succumb in the end by a lone goal. It is the second time the gallant Falconets have failed to fly back home with the elusive trophy. They appeared in the grand finale of the global showpiece in 2010 staged by Germany during which they lost 0 – 2 to the hosts.
However, what made this silver medal a special one, even though they deserved the gold this time around considering their rampaging form, were the circumstances surrounding their departure to Canada. After high level preparations by the squad and their technical crew, a miasma of uncertainty hung around them occasioned by the imminent FIFA hammer that dangled over the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following a Jos High Court order which sacked the Maigari-led board. While the drama was unfolding, South Africa jostled to replace them at the tournament. That was the kind of mental state the girls, made up local talents, except the US-based Courtney Dike, went into the championship and gave a fantastic account of themselves as they progressed. Not even the crisis raging in the federation, culminating in the burning down of the Football House, could detract them.
The dogfight among the shameless football administrators must have robbed the girls the needed attention and encouragement throughout the tournament. And it was in the midst of the crisis that the team returned to the country almost unheralded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. It was obvious that the girls and their handlers felt not only abandoned in Canada but also betrayed on their return.
Against the backdrop of unimpressive performance of the senior women team, the Super Falcons, in international championships, this crop of Falconets holds a promising future for the country as they strive to reclaim our lost glory. But this cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of rancor fueled by greed. It is tantamount to destroying the platform upon which the girls can build their career. They are like victims of a divided home.
Nevertheless, we commend the entire team and their technical crew for sending a clear message to the Nigerian football family in particular and the country in general that they are true patriots as exemplified by their superlative exploits in Canada. It is also a proof that Nigerians can rise above forces of retrogression to achieve their goals. We particularly single out the Golden Ball and Golden Boot winner, Asisat Oshoala, for her brilliant performance at the tournament as well as Courtney Dike who also shone like a million stars. Also deserving of our kudos is the head coach, Peter Dedevbo, along with his backroom staff for assembling these world class materials. The joy of a gaffer is to watch his talents blossom at various levels of their career.
Notwithstanding the tragicomedy now unfolding in the Football House, the National Sports Commission (NSC), whose script is being read by the dramatis personae, should ensure that the Super Falconets and their handlers are adequately appreciated and rewarded for their brilliant efforts. It is the only way to keep their spirit of nationalism alive and motivate others.