4th October, 2012
Super Falcons’ assistant coach, Samson Unuanel is positive Flamingoes will dump the French foes, Les Bleuettes in today’s quarterfinal clash at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan.
Flamingoes amassed seven points and an intimidating 15 goals to finish top of Group A while the French side were runners-up of Group B on 11 goals.
The Nigerians are regulars, playing in successive quarterfinals after they lost the 2010 edition in Trinadad and Tobago to the eventual champions, Korea Republic 5-6 on penalties while the French are seeing action in the quarters for the first time.
Unuanel said the coach Peter Dedevbo side have what it takes to overpower the European side.
“I don’t anticipate any problem for Flamingoes against the French side; rather, I see the clash as a wonderful opportunity for coach Dedevbo to further prove himself.
“He has done wonderfully well with his wards, victory is ordained for them against France.
“I see them go as far as the final even lifting the trophy for the first time for Nigeria.
“Flamingoes have been getting better with each game and being truly young, the mistakes seen in them are expected but the beauty of it is that they’re managing it perfectly well.
“People criticised them for being wasteful against Canada, the second game against hosts, Azerbaijan was awesome same as the tie against Colombia.
“Thursday will be their fourth game. I’m sure they’ll convert their chances and give Nigerians something to smile about.
“Their zeal and focus are the driving force, it’ll see them survive the French hurdle and further to the final,” the former Ocean Boys gaffer and favourite for Kwara United job told supersport.com.
Winners of Nigeria, France duel will meet the winners of Japan Ghana, encounter in the semifinals on Tuesday, 9 October.