FIFA Women World Cup: Fans rate Super Falcons better side, despite defeat

Football fans have rated the Nigeria Super Falcons high in performance at the ongoing Women World Cup tournament, in spite of Monday defeat through penalty kicks.

The fans assessed the team in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

They said that the outcome of the match was inspiring and won many hearts for women football in Nigeria.

They were of the opinion that the nine time Africa champions were the better team in spite of losing 2-4 on penalty shootout to England after a 0-0 draw, to  bow out of  the tournament in the round of 16 match.

One of the fans, Abdullahi Mohammed, however opined that the Falcons spurned opportunities to win the game within the 90 minutes.

He also felt that the girls failed to utilise their numerical advantage after one of the opponents’ players was sent off.

He acknowledged, however, that the ladies tried their best in the game.

“This is Desire Oparanozies’ first game at the World Cup; before the penalty kicks, she was seen telling her mates to use their sense while taking the spot kicks,” he said.

He added that regardless of those mistakes, the fans were still proud of them.

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Ajayi Damilola, an athlete, said that the Super Falcons did well and exhibited an excellent spirit.

She noted that a game of penalty is always a matter of luck, and called for an improvement in the girls’ ability to convert penalties.

“I am pleased with the technical performance of the coaching crew. I wish all the tiers of football leagues in Nigeria should go and rewatch the game and learn from it,” she said.

Tobilola Fagbuyi, a fan, stressed the need  for the replacement process of older players to start in earnest with better training, camping and more friendly games.

Haruna Idachaba, another fan, said the  girls did their best.

”They were resilient and determined to win. Don’t forget that they were playing against opponents with more exposure and experience.

“The factors that led to their defeat included some tactical faults like inaccurate passes, while their finishing was poor.

“By and large, they have given a good account of themselves. There is time for another day,” he said.

Sesan Adeleke, another fan, said that Super Falcons enjoyed spells of possession, shifting England from side to side, but the English put forth stiff resistance.

“Falcons’ dynamic midfield and back line proved resolute despite persistent English wave of attacks.

“We need to raise upcoming players; there were late substitutions that proved defective for Nigeria team,” he said.

Christopher Onokpegu, a certified CAF C coach, said the team played very well.

“I was expecting them to capitalise on the red card given to England and play from the wings, but I didn’t see much of that.

“Kudos to them. They did very well and I just hope that they would be able to improve.”

FIFA Women World Cup: Fans rate Super Falcons better side, despite defeat

(NAN)