Coach of the Nigeria senior women’s national team, Edwin Okon, has stated in no uncertain terms that he is not relying on overseas-based professionals for the 2015 All-Africa Games and the 2016 Olympics qualification challenges.
Ten foreign-based players were invited to the Super Falcons camp but Okon is optimistic that the talents from the domestic league, who are already in camp, can equally prosecute both qualifiers with aplomb.
“I don’t think that is a problem for me and my coaches,” said Okon. “You can see the work in progress. We are not waiting for, or relying on foreign-based players, we just have to prepare our team and pick those players who can beat Mali and beat them very well.
“If those based abroad come to join us, then it is a boost for us but we are not leaving anything to chance. We have to prepare and plan with those here to execute the task ahead.”
The Falcons have spent a week in camp already, engaging in training centred on fitness and conditioning with and without the ball.
The first leg qualifier against Mali comes up in the weekend of March 20.
