Again, FIFA picks Omagbemi for World Cup Duty

.. Former captain tipsSuper Falcons for Glory in Canada

THE profile of former Super Falcons’ captain, Florence Omagbemi, continues to rise at global level, as world football governing body (FIFA), has again listed her for duty in the fast approaching Canada 2015 Women’s World Cup.

For 16 years, Omagbemi was one of the amazons, who shouldered Nigeria’s quest for glory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. From the inaugural edition in China ’91 through Sweden ’95, USA ’99 and USA 2003, Omagbemi was in the forefront, providing cover for the Super Falcons against several opposition.

She captained the ‘golden’ generation of the Super Falcons to reach the quarterfinal at USA ’99, where Nigeria narrowly lost the semifinal ticket to Brazil. She also led the Falcons to Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympics Games’ soccer event.

In 2012, FIFA listed the US-based Omagbemi as a member of Women’s U-17 World Cup organizing committee held in Azerbaijan. She was also a member of the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup organizing committee at Costa Rica 2014.

Now, Omagbami has been elevated to the senior rank, as she is listed as a member of FIFA’s Technical Study Group (TSG) for Canada 2015 Women’s World Cup, which will kick off on June 6.

The former Falcons captain will depart her base in USA for Canada on June 2, where she will oversee activities in Group B (Otttawa). One of Africa’s flag bearers, the Les Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, will campaign against Germany, Norway and Thailand in that group.

Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Omagbemi said the Falcons might spring surprises in Group D despite the presence of two strong contenders, USA and Sweden.

In 2012, Omagbemi was part of the Nigerian U-20 Women team’s technical crew that got to the semifinal in Japan.