Falcons may jet out Wednesday

AFTER a long wait, indications emerged Tuesday that the Super Falcons might jet out to Namibia this evening ahead the commencement of this year’s African Women Championship (AWC). The championship will kick off on Saturday in Windhoek, the country’s capital.

The Falcons resumed camping in September and have been kicking the ball around the National Stadium, Abuja, while other teams were busy playing international friendly matches in their preparation for the Namibia 2014 AWC.

The Banyana Banyana of South Africa who are eyeing the title, have played about seven international friendlies, including the 6-1 thrashing of Tanzania.

The coach Vera Pauw tutored South Africans also defeated Zambia 4-0 in Lusaka before recording another victory in the return leg played in Rustenburg. They also defeated Botswana 4-0 and recorded victories in a two-legged friendly game over Namibia last month. The Black Queens of Ghana have been in camp since June and have played some quality friendly matches in preparation for the AWC.

Though the Falcons are is a ‘simple’ group alongside the host country, Brave Gladiators of Namibia, Cote d’Ivoire and Zambia, there is growing concern that coach Edwin Okon’s inability to test the physical level of the players before naming his final squad might affect their performance when hostilities begin this weekend in Windhoek.

The Falcons who have surrendered their title twice – in 2008 and 2012, must at worst, qualify for the semifinal and win the third place match to pick one of the three slots allocated to Africa in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World in Canada. It will be the first time Africa will feature three teams at the World Cup.

Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, NFF Director of International Competitions, Mohammed Salusi said that the team might jet out today or latest tomorrow.

“Hopefully, the Falcons will leave for Namibia on Wednesday or latest Thursday,” Salusi said.

The President of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick also spoke with The Guardian Tuesday saying: “I am in Abuja now and we are working on the possibility of seeing the Falcons leave for Namibia as quickly as possible.”