Super Falcons Head Coach, Thomas Dennerby says the Nigeria’s senior women football team will not only advance from the group stage of the World Cup in France, but will work hard at reaching a new height in the tournament billed for July.
“We know we are in a very tough group that comprises the host nation France, Norway and Korea. They are all ahead of Nigeria in women football by FIFA ranking. But ranking does not count when it comes to a competitive match. The Super Falcons will try to hold their own against them,” Dennerby said.
“It is true that we have been performing below expectation, but I must tell you, the team is improving very well. Some of the players have not been training day to day because their clubs are either on break or for some other reasons. I am not bothered about the team now because we are improving everyday.
“We are working really hard to achieve success at the World Cup and I have seen that the players were improving with every game we played against different teams in our buildup so far.
“We shall try to make it to the knockout stages of the World Cup and see how far we can go.”
Asked about the program he has for the team before the World Cup in France, Dennerby said the invitational tournaments the team participated in recently in China and Cyprus were part of the program, adding that there will be more games, as well as local and overseas camping before the tournament.
On the possibility of strenghening the squad, the Swede assured that he would call up new players who can add value to the team irrespective of their ages.
“We want the best for the Super Falcons and any player that fits into what we are planning for the team will get the nod,” Dennerby said.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
