Warm-Up Ties Key To WC Glory

Super Falcons head coach, Edwin Okon has said top grade warm-up matches are quite key to the side successful campaign at upcoming Fifa Women’s World Cup in Canada.
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The African champions are expected to open camp on Sunday, February 22 in Abuja to commence preparations for the All Africa Games (AAG), Olympic Games qualifiers as well as World Cup campaign in June.
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Falcons are pitched in Group D at the World Cup together with former champions, USA, Sweden and Australia.
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Okon said he discovered that the All Africa Games and Olympic qualifying matches against mali are inadequate to put the side in good stead for the tough football hostilities at the World Cup.
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“We need top flight friendly matches to prepare adequately for the challenges at the World Cup.
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“The AAG and Olympic qualifying matches against mali are quite inadequate to push us up to World Cup fitness.
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“I thought we would’ve several matches during the qualifying campaigns prior to the World Cup but now it has been narrowed down to just a country the side will be happier with many top grade friendly matches,” said the former Falconets coach to supersport.com.
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Okon said the side foreign-based players may not expected to kick start the camp with the domestic players on February 22.
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“None of the invited professional players is expected in camp on February 22 but the domestic ones though any of the professionals chanced to come around are welcomed.
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“I normally give the foreign professionals two-week to match day to hit the camp to enable the coaches ascertain their level of fitness.
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“We hope to field our best legs for the AAG and Olympic qualifiers against the Malians.
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“We won’t take anything for granted nor underrate any side as we’re determined to qualify this time around as well as excel at the championships proper,” said the Rivers Angels head coach.
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Falcons are expected to confront Mali both in the AAG and Olympic qualifiers in March and May respectively.