19th September, 2012
Chief Coach of Inneh Queens, Kenneth Aigbe has tipped Nigeria’s U-17 female team, the Flamingoes, to go far in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off this weekend in Azerbaijan.
Aigbe strongly believes that the honour bestowed on the Falconets that came fourth at the just concluded FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup held in Japan by President Goodluck Jonathan, would spur the Flamingoes to do well in Azerbaijan.
In a telephone interview with P.M.News yesterday, Aigbe said that after seeing the team play some buildup games, he is convinced that the team will not disappoint Nigerians. “The Flamingoes will go very far at the World Cup in Azerbaijan, I saw some of their games and with the reward that President Jonathan gave to the Falconets, the Flamingoes will want the same, they would want to surpass the Falconets,” Aigbe posited
He stated further that with the right approach the team can soar higher in Azerbaijan while he urged them not to underrate their opponents. “With hard work, determination and good technical input the Flamingoes can shock the world but they also must not look down on their opponents.”
Aigbe contends that if things go the way of striker of the Flamingoes Yetunde Adeboyejo, he sees her going on a goal scoring spree at the tourney “Yetunde is a striker that I have seen play on several occasions, she is a player with class, other things being equal I can see her score a lot of goals in Azerbaijan.”
Meanwhile, coach of the team Peter Dedevbo has charged his strikers to be hungry in front of goal during the tournament.
Dedevbo said the real acid test will come during the tournament proper.
“Every opportunity at goal scoring must be converted as you may never get another chance.
“Often times it’s the team that take advantage of their scoring chances that come out top,” he admonished.
Dedevbo, who has been emphatic on alertness at ball said he is confident his wards will deliver the goods at the World Cup.
He added that converting every chance in the first match will serve as morale booster going into the next matches.
The defense got mention as the coach tasked his backline to avoid mistakes in the goal area.
The Flamingoes’ gaffer spent quality time with his defenders on how to clear and tackle in their vital area as well as positioning for free kicks.
—Adebobola Alawode