Super Falcons midfielder, Ngozi Okobi has called on the Nigeria Football Federation to organize top class friendly matches for the team ahead of the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
The Thomas Dennerby’s ladies are expected to take part in the four-nation invitation tournament in China and Cyprus Cup in January and February respectively as part of their preparations for the World Cup.
However, Okobi who was part of 11th African Women’s Cup of Nations winning team said more games must be arranged for the team.
“The tournament in China and Cyprus is not enough, because these games are in January and February,” Okobi told BBC Sport.
“What then happens after February until June? We need more quality international friendlies to put us in shape.
“Top friendlies bring the best out of the team. They also provide enough time for the players to further understand the coach’s ideas, philosophy and also to get used to us.“
After the team laboured to defend their AWCON title in Ghana , Okobi admits that other African nations has closed the gap on Nigeria and insists the Federation must help the prepare , stressing that the world cup is not place for trying things .
“The World Cup is not a place for us to be trying things out, so we need top matches to prepare us adequately.”
“It’s very important for the federation to arrange something big for us,” said Okobi.
“We’ve witnessed how the gap is gradually closing on the continent between us and others.
“For the World Cup we need to triple things up because we can’t wake up one morning without top matches and then start travelling to France.”
Nigeria will open their campaign against Norway on 8 June in Reims, then South Korea in Grenoble on 12 June before facing France on 17 June in Rennes.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
