By KATE OBODO, Japan
Coach Edwin Okon knows what it takes to have come this far in the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. Having piloted the team to the semi-finals, he is aware of what awaits him against the United States of America today.
For him, it is a dream come true as he hopes to surpass the feat attained by the team that attended the 2010 tournament in Germany. To achieve that, however, Okon and his girls will have to beat the USA.
At the 2010 tournament, the Falconets knocked out USA in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the quarter-finals before making their way to the final.
(http://vml1.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Falconets2.jpg?9d7bd4) (http://www.vanguardngr.com/?attachment_id=309697)
" It was a great feeling to beat them," said Okon, "this time. It's going to be very tough, because they're quick, strong and skilful – so we'll have to be very smart to neutralise them."
Okon, however, added, "but this tournament is certainly bringing back a lot of memories. I just hope that the end result is different and goes our way."
Falconets practice penalties
Penalty shoot-out dominated Monday's training of the Nigeria U-20 Women National Team ahead of Tuesday's (September 4) semifinal clash against the United States of America at the on-going FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Japan.
The Edwin Okon led coaching crew are not taking anything for granted since it was through penalties that Nigeria defeated the Americans two years ago in Germany.
"Anything can happen at this stage even though we have always practiced penalties during our training sessions. But this time we felt it was pertinent to step up the tempo because of the possibility of the match going into extra time," he said at a Pre-Match Conference on Monday.
Okon who has continued to hinge the team's success on determination and a renewed spirit said most of the mistakes observed in the previous matches have been corrected.
Vanguard Nigeria