No automatic shirts for Oshoala, Oparanozie, others, says Okon

SUPER Falcons’ manager, Edwin Okon, has declared that he would not give special treatment to any player in his team, which is preparing for the Canada 2015 Women World Cup. Already, the coach has 25 players in his team, which began training Tuesday in Abuja.

 Speaking to The Guardian from the team’s camp before the Falcons had their first training session on Monday evening, Okon reiterated his commitment to assemble a solid team for the world championship. 

  He explained that his mission was to put the girls in the right frame of mind to contend with the challenges ahead of them and also groom more talents for the country. 

  The Rivers Angels coach also disclosed that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has arranged with the foreign-based players’ clubs for the girls to be released early for the championship. The move, he said, would afford him the chance to blend the team properly before the championship.

  “I am not banking only on Oshoala or any other player in my team to deliver In Canada. I am a grassroots coach and my mission is to discover more players. All the 36 players in my team would be equal chances to prove their worth. There is no automatic shirt for any player. 

  “I have 25 players already in camp and the other players are expected to join the camp from tomorrow. The Falcons would be playing series of tune up matches to keep the girls in form ahead of the world championship,” he said.

  Reigning African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, who recently signed for Liverpool Ladies, is expected to lead the line alongside in-form En Avent De Guingamp forward, Desire Oparanozie, in the Super Falcons’ quest to make a remarkable impact at the 2015 Women World Cup.