Okon wants quality friendlies, early release of foreign-based players

HEAD Coach of the Nigeria women national team, Edwin Okon, has appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to organize grade A friendlies for the Falcons to assist him in putting the girls in top form ahead of the 2015 World Cup billed for Canada later in the year.

  Okon noted that the  Super Falcons needed to compete against quality teams in tune up matches because of the caliber of opposition the team will face at  the championship in Canada. 

  The Rivers Angels coach disclosed that 26 players  are already in camp jostling for positions in the team, adding that he has been talking to the NFF to seek for the early release  of reigning African Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, who recently signed for Liverpool Ladies, and En Avent De Guingamp forward, Desire Oparanozie, as well as other  foreign–based players.

 Okon, who was  optimistic that he would assemble a formidable squad for the World Cup, told The Guardian yesterday that players and officials had a special prayer session in a church to assist put the team in high spirit ahead of the competition.

   “The only players that are not in camp now are Asisat, Opranozie and some other invited foreign–based players. The NFF has promised to talk to their clubs for their early release to afford me have a full team to work with. 

  “I am also pleading with the NFF to organize quality friendlies for the Falcons to help raise the confidence of  my players,” he disclosed.