Categories: Sports

International Friendly: Japan’ coach expects tough Super Falcons’ test

Japan Women’s National Team coach Ikeda Futoshi has disclosed his admiration for the Super Falcons ahead of the international friendly game between Nigeria and the Asian country.

The two continental giants will square up against each other at the NOEVIR Stadium Kobe tomorrow in preparation for next year’s Mundial.

The Super Falcons have not been impressive recently, suffering two consecutive losses to the United States in a double-header in September.

Aside from those losses, the  Nigerian ladies finished a disappointing fourth at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco in July.

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Despite the Super Falcons’ failure to pick up positive results from their last four matches, Nadeshiko Japan’s coach Futoshi is aware that the nine-time African champions can be a tough nut to crack on their day.

Futoshi narrowed down the Super Falcons’ strong points to the team’s speed, strength, and solid defence. And the 51-year-old tactician said keeping these Nigerian features at bay will be crucial to Japan’s victory.

“They showed great speed and strength even at the U-20 level,” Futoshi told the Japan FA official website.

“We must be careful of their unique speed and tempo and try to pass the ball around their strong defence to create chances.

“We want to play to our strengths while taking into account the strengths of our opponents.”

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