Godwin Izilien advises NFF to second Rohr to Super Falcons

Former Super Falcons Coach, Godwin Izilien, has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to officially appoint Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr, as the technical adviser of the women National team, saying the move would help the team’s officials build a formidable squad for the 12th African Women Championship slated to commence in Cameroun from November 19 to December 3.

Izilien also wants the football house to give more experienced coaches the chance to handle the nation’s national teams, saying saddling inexperienced coaches with the responsibility of training the female teams would not encourage growth in women football.

He explained that seconding Rohr to the Falcons would not by any way affect the functions of the team’s coach, Florence Omagbemi, adding that the German tactician has a lot to offer the Super Falcons.

Izilien, who also expressed dismay over the early exit of the Flamingoes in the U-17 World Cup in Jordan, advised that more viable structures be put on ground to help groom talented women footballers from their formative years.

“I think Rohr is the best coach to boost the technical bench of the Falcons. He hails from a country that is famous for female soccer and based on his vast experience, I believe he would have tips to assist the team.

“This does not imply that Omagbemi is not good enough for the Falcons. But the NFF should understand that the female national teams, especially the Falcons, need coaches that have deep knowledge of the game.

“In other climes, a consortium of coaches are appointed to oversea their teams, this is why they excel. Another problem I think the NFF should solve is early release of funds to enable the female teams get the best of preparations like their male counterparts when they are preparing for international engagements. The late release of funds, I think, also affected the Flamingoes’ performance in the U-17 World Cup in Jordan.’’