COACH Peter Dedevbo of the national U-17 team, Flamingoes, which over the weekend played a 1-1 draw with Canada at the ongoing Azerbaijan 2012 FIFA Women U-17 World Cup, believes that his girls have the potential to go all the way in the competition despite their faulty start.
Despite its superior possession and several scoring chances, Nigeria found it difficult to beat Canada at the Tofig Bahramov Stadium. In fact, the girls, who spurned a lot of scoring chances, had to come from behind to get the draw through Chinwendu Ihezuo's volley in the 81st minute.
Canada had taken the lead against the run of play in the 63rd minute through Amandine Pierre-Louis. The Nigerian girls hit the woodwork four times, aside some clear-cut chances they could not put behind the Canadian goalkeeper.
Dedevbo, who was amazed how his side could not win a match it deserved to, rued the missed chances. However, he praised thegirls for upping their game to get the much needed equaliser, saying: "The game was good for my team.
"We created a lot of scoring opportunities but could not utilize them. In the second half,the Canadians came at us and took the lead, but we were able to up our game and get the equaliser.
"I will say that the girls under performed in this game but I'm happy they equalised. I know that they will be different in the next game, as their performance will improve as the tournament progresses."
Dedevbo admitted to being anxious when the goals were not forthcoming, especially when the Canadians took the lead in the second half, adding that he and his technicalcrew would put heads together to correct the deficiencies noticed in the match.
"After hitting the upright several times, I was worried that the girls could not score, but I knew in the second half they would score. I am really happy they did," he said.
"I and my technical crew will sit down and discuss what changes to be made to sharpen the finishing. I can assure Nigerians that the next game will be different."
Meanwhile, scorer of Nigeria's equaliser, Ihezuo, is delighted at scoring a World Cup goal. She said after the match: ''I am thankful to God for making it possible for me to be the one who scored for the team. No doubt we missed so many scoring chances, but I believe in our next match I and other attackers will put smiles on the faces of Nigerians."
The team departed yesterday for Lankaran, venue of its next must-win match against the host, Azerbaijan. Source:guardiannewspaper
That is what we have to consider when we play football.The coaches should teach them how to utilize their chances