CFCfan:
FIFA has suspended Ugo Njoku for 3 matches for elbowing Kerr, her Australian opponent.

I guess Ohale will be the starting RB for the 3rd game in a row.

FIFA why

terzurum5:
Okon Tips Falcons for Q’ final.
Edwin Okon
CANADA 2015
Head coach of Nigeria's Women's national team, Edwin Okon insists Friday's 0-2 loss to Australia does not spell the end for his side at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.
A well taken brace from Kyah Simon condemned the Super Falcons to their first defeat of the tournament at the Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg.
Okon however believes his charges can turn things around by recording a stunning upset over highly-ranked United States in their third and final preliminary game.
"I thought it was a very good match. I congratulate the winners, Australia.
"We have to get back out and score goals.
"We must qualify. Nigeria must qualify to the next round. So we must get back to the form we had against Sweden," Okon was quoted as saying on www.fifa.com.
Nigeria have never beaten the US Women's Soccer Team in a competitive game at senior level.
Meanwhile, the Super Falcons have arrived Vancouver with great expectation of picking the maximum points when they confront former world champions USA in their last group phase match on Tuesday.
The African Champions arrived Saturday aboard a chartered aircraft about 11am Vancouver time, which is 7pm Nigerian time. They then had 30 minutes drive from the airport to their Coast Coal Harbour Hotel, the same hotel where the U.S. team is lodged.
On arrival, the coaches told the girls that they have no option other than to pick all three points to stand a chance of qualifying from the group.
"Let's put the defeat against Australia behind us and be focused on picking the maximum points against USA. We can do it only if we believe. This is our last chance of qualifying from the group and we have to make it count," Okon said.
Later in the day, the team had a light training from 4:30 to 5:30 pm and will train twice on Sunday as they add finishing touches to their tactics for the game against the United States.
www.thisdaylive.com/articles/okon-tips-falcons-for-q-final/212051/

This man is so so funny. Abeg who supposed to be doing the tipping. Analysts, ex-footballers, legends in the game? Instead of him to do his technical input and leave the tipping, he decides to jump canoe.


And i can bet with anyone that this coach has bowed more times that the num of substitutes in total in our group games. Seems he came to Canada to bow down and OUT. MISPLACED PRIORITIES.

We’ll Win for Chibok Girls – Oparanozie.

Nigerian forward Desire Oparanozie has expressed a desire to win the match against the USA for the Chibok girls.
In a chat with SportingLife, she said: “The Chibok girls are always with us.The global soccer audience didn’t know much about Nigeria coming into the tournament and all it understands now is that the African champions are a team that’s fast, talented, unpredictable and occasionally lacking in defensive organisation.
“But behind all that, the squad carries a burning purpose in its quest to emerge from the toughest group in the competition.”
The girls referenced by Oparanozie are those kidnapped in Nigeria by Boko Haram, the Islamic Jihadist terrorist group based in the north east of the country.
A reported 276 girls, some as young as 9, were abducted by Boko Haram from the town of Chibok in April 2014. Despite widespread global condemnation and some rescue attempts of mixed success, the whereabouts of most of the girls remains unknown.
She continued: “We play for ourselves and for our country, but we play for them. Those girls and the tragedy that happened to them, it is deep within all of us. When people see us fight for victory on the field, it is their spirit that is within us. We want to win for them.”
thenationonlineng.net/new/well-win-for-chibok-girls-oparanozie/

Nkwocha Chases Vincent Enyeama!

Super Falcons’ forward Perpetua Nkwocha will win her 101st senior cap for Nigeria if she tastes action in today’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Group D clash with the United States of America in Vancouver.
This will bring her at par with Super Eagles’ goalkeeper and skipper Vincent Enyeama, who won his 101st cap in the 2-0 defeat of Chad in Saturday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kaduna.
The elegant striker, who won her first cap for Nigeria in a friendly with Ghana’s Black Queens in Lagos in May 1999, won her 100th cap when she came in for Desire Oparanozie against Australia in Winnipeg on Friday.
Before the 3-3 draw with Sweden in Winnipeg on Monday, June 8, Nkwocha had been one of only two Nigerians to score at the FIFA Women’s World Cup since Nkechi Egbe netted a famous equalizer against Brazil in the quarter finals of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the United States of America. That match, played in Washington, went to extra time before the Brazilians triumphed.
The Falcons notably failed to score a single goal at the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, also staged by the United States, following the sudden outbreak of SARS epidemic in designated host nation China. Cynthia Uwak scored the Falcons’ only goal at the 2007 FIFA World Cup, in a 1-1 draw with Sweden in Chengdu.
Nkwocha scored Nigeria’s only goal at the 6th FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany four years ago, netting in the 1-0 defeat of Canada in Dresden on July 5, 2011. But the Falcons failed to progress after earlier losing by the same margin to France and host Germany.
Not only did Nkwocha become Nigeria’s first woman ‘Centurion’ when she came in for Oparanozie against Australia, in a surprise 0-2 defeat, she also became the oldest player in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, at 39 years and 19 days. The previous holder of the record, Meg of Brazil, was 39 years 18 days when she featured at the 1995 finals in Sweden.
In her meritorious 16-year international career, Nkwocha was also named African Woman Player of the Year on four occasions.
In Vancouver today, Nkwocha looks to make history with the Super Falcons, at the same BJ Place venue that will host the Women’s World Cup final match on July 5. She will also be hoping to work wonders with the Falcons, not only to accomplish a first –ever defeat of the USA at the Women’s World Cup, but also to sail into the knock –out stage for the first time since 1999, and for only the second time ever.
thenationonlineng.net/new/nkwocha-chases-vincent-enyeama/

Women's World Cup: Germany Power Past Thailand To Win Group B.

USA Look To Maintain Group Lead In Last Group Stage Match Against Nigeria.
In the third and final Group D match for both nations, the USA looks to pick up steam while Nigeria looks to bounce back from a dreadful loss to Australia. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM ET on FOX and NBC Universo Tuesday.
Match Summary:
Coming into BC Place Stadium in the western Canadian metropolis of Vancouver, the United States look to finally light the fire in their campaign to accomplish winning a third FIFA Women's World Cup. They have yet to reach their believed peak, even with being ranked second by FIFA in the FIFA women's world rankings.
On the other hand, Nigeria will try to execute the explosive play style that they achieved in their 3-3 draw against fifth ranked Swedenin their opening match. However, consistency became a factor when recently losing 2-0 to Australia. This left the African champions at the bottom of the group (one point).
United States
The United States, arguably the favorite to win the whole tournament besides Germany, have not dominated to the extent fans and spectators alike have maybe expected since the beginning of the group stage. Although the 'Group of Death', manager Jillian Ellisand the Stars & Stripes remain favorites to gain all three points against a pacey, confident, and young set of ladies from Nigeria. A 3-1 win againstAustraliaand a scoreless draw with Sweden sits them atop of Group D at four points (one ahead of Australia).
Nigeria
Nigeria, who failed to demonstrate the same effectiveness against Australia that they did Sweden on both sides of the pitch, are still confident that they could make the Round of 16 despite the odds. A team full of quality, they almost certainly need to win to have any chance in overtaking both Sweden and Australia in the standings. The miniscule set of glorifying fans will sure to be in Vancouver and will look to add onto the already growing reputation of their African side.
Gameplan and Prediction:
If the United States plan to come out and capture all three points, they must not make the same mistake as Sweden. The back line of the United States must be disciplined enough in dealing with the overwhelming physical capabilities of forwards like Desire Oparanozie.
The Nigerians will be motivated by the United States less than premier form, and will look to push the ball forward rapidly to create mistakes and open up space. Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Sydney Leroux, andAbby Wambach must really pile-drive their squad to remain on their side of the pitch.
Nigeria is also playing behind the issue of Boko Haram, a Islamic Jihadist terrorist group based in the northeast of the country. As much as 276 women were kidnapped by the group, adding onto the already saddened lack of respect and rights women face compared to men in their native country.
Nigeria will want not only to prove to women in their country that they can achieve whatever they put effort into, but that they can rise out of such a difficult group of national teams.
Even with the United States appearing to still be warming up in the FIFA Women's World Cup, their individual talent may be too much for Nigeria in this fixture.
Therefore, we have USA coming out victorious in a 3-1 win at BC Place Stadium.
Quotes:
Abby Wambach: “I’m way more carefree [on grass],”she said.“I throw my body. I’m not worried about anything. There’s no second-guessing. I definitely think that the United States has more goals if we're playing on grass.”
Asisat Oshoala: "We want to show girls and young women in Nigeria what is possible.
"It is difficult for girls in Nigeria. There is not much support. People don't want them to play soccer or don't understand why they want to play.
"We want to show them to have pride in themselves and what they are doing and that if you work hard at something you can represent your country or do something great." (USA TODAY).
www.vavel.com/en-us/soccer/502203-usa-look-to-maintain-group-lead-in-last-match-against-nigeria.html
USA Look To Maintain Group Lead In Last Group Stage Match Against Nigeria15-06-2015
In the third and final Group D match for both nations, the USA looks to pick up steam while Nigeria looks to bounce back from a dreadful loss to Australia. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM ET on FOX and NBC Universo Tuesday.

USA vs. Nigeria Soccer: Prediction, Preview For Women’s World Cup 2015 Group D Match.

Alex Morgan may start for the U.S. against Nigeria after again coming off the bench last time out.
The United States women’s soccer team has yet to catch fire in the 2015 Women’s World Cup, but it heads into its final group match with Nigeria with a place in the Round of 16 almost secured. After following up a 3-1 win over Australiawith a scoreless tie against Sweden, the U.S. only needs to avoid a defeat by two or more goals to the African champions in order to seal progress.
That, though, is unlikely to be the full extent of the team’s ambitions approaching Tuesday’s clash in Vancouver. The U.S. currently tops Group D, with its four points giving it a one-point edge over Australia and two over Sweden, ahead of those teams going head-to-head in the group’s other remaining match. It means the U.S. requires a victory to be sure of topping what has been widely dubbed “the group of death,” an objective that is sure to provide plenty of motivation.
Anything less than that and the Americans could find themselves with a far tougher task in the first knockout round. Finishing second would mean a meeting with Group E winners Brazil, against whom the U.S. has enjoyed both elation and heartbreak in the last two Women’s World Cups. Finishing as one of the four best third-place teams, meanwhile, would see the U.S. likely take on either the team ranked No. 1 in the world, Germany, or tournament hosts Canada.
For a U.S. side still very much playing its way into the tournament, such complicated assignments so early on would be far from ideal. Much attention continues to focus on the struggles Jill Ellis and her coaching staff are enduring attempting to find the right balance up front. Against Sweden there was a change, with Morgan Brian coming into the team in place of 35-year-old Abby Wambach and Christen Press going up front alongside Sydney Leroux. Yet as those on the field, other than the again impressive Megan Rapinoe, failed to spark, the match ended with Wambach leading the attack alongside Alex Morgan.
Both could now be in contention to start against Nigeria. Morgan came into the competition needing to build fitness after two months out with a knee injury, but she may now be in line for a bigger role following two short substitute appearances.
In the case of Wambach, the contest with Sweden was the first time she hadn’t been in the starting lineup for a U.S. World Cup game since the team’s second match of the 2003 tournament. It has been a frustrating World Cup so far for the veteran striker, having failed to convert headed chances against both Australia and Sweden. However, Wambach, one of the most vocal critics of the decision to play the tournament on artificial turf, has blamed the surface for the scoring difficulties of both her and her team.
“I’m way more carefree [on grass],” she said. “I throw my body. I’m not worried about anything. There’s no second-guessing. I definitely think that the United States has more goals if we're playing on grass.”
Nigeria had little trouble offensively in its opening game, when the pace and ability of a young crop of forwards led by Asisat Oshoala helped the best-ranked African side peg back Sweden in a 3-3 draw. But it was tougher going in the team’s next match, as Nigeria crashed to a 2-0 defeat to Australia in Winnipeg. The result means that the Super Falcons go into the match with the U.S. realistically needing a victory to have a chance of making it to the knockout phase for the third time in its history. That aim has suffered a further setback, though, with defender Ugo Njoku handed a three-match suspension for elbowing Australia’s Samantha Kerr after coming on as a substitute on Friday.
Prediction: Nigeria strongly suggested against Sweden that it has the pace and verve to hurt the U.S. defensively, even though the Americans looked far stronger at the back against Sweden. Problems remain further forward, with the balance of the midfield and attack still lacking. But the U.S. should have enough, particularly from set-pieces, to see off what is still a young Nigeria team.
Predictors: USA 3-1 Nigeria.
www.ibtimes.com/usa-vs-nigeria-soccer-prediction-preview-womens-world-cup-2015-group-d-match-1967307

USWNT Must Stop Asisat Oshoala, Ngozi Okobi in Nigeria Match.

Through two matches at the FIFA Women's World Cup, the United States is unbeaten and in position to win Group D after a victory over Australia and a draw with Sweden. With a win in their final group game against Nigeria, the Americans would top the group, and even a draw would likely be enough to take second place.
But the African side will pose a serious attacking threat in the form of young forwards Asisat Oshoala and Ngozi Okobi, and if the U.S. is to win the match, coach Jill Ellis must focus on limiting the opportunities those two players have in front of goal.
As Sweden found out earlier in the tournament, that will not be an easy task.
Okobi, 21, scored once and handed out two assists against the Swedes in earning FIFA's Player of the Match award. Her goal was a thing of beauty. Accepting a cross into the middle along the edge of the box, Okobi used a brilliant first touch to take her away from a crowd of defenders before firing past the goalkeeper.
Oshoala took her turn next. After Nigeria caught Sweden in possession, the 20-year-old ran onto Okobi's long pass and created a chance where one seemed unlikely. Coming up against Sweden's Nilla Fischer one-on-one, Oshoala outmuscled the veteran defender, powered into the box and slotted in at the near post.
Oshoala's fine individual strike completed Nigeria's comeback from a two-goal deficit, but Sweden soon restored its lead. With her team needing another goal late in the match, Okobi weaved another moment of magic in the 87th minute with a perfectly weighted pass through Sweden's back line to Francisca Ordega. The latter finished through Hedvig Lindahl's legs to secure a 3-3 draw for Nigeria, a result few would have predicted before the tournament.
Okobi and Oshoala deservedly took the plaudits for their outstanding attacking play. With intelligent movement, searing speed and incisive passing, the two tore Sweden's slow-moving back line to shreds. BBC journalist Alistair Magowancalled Oshoala the "best player on the pitch," arguing that she had outplayed highly rated Sweden striker Lotta Schelin.
Oshoala should have had hat-trick but she's still best player on pitch. Totally eclipsing likes of Schelin and only 20 #SWE3-2 #NGA— alistair magowan (@alistairmagowan) June 8, 2015
Oshoala's fine performance should not have been entirely unexpected. Last year, the pacy forward was the top scorer and best playerat the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. She scored seven goals as the Super Falcons advanced to the final before losing to Germany in extra time.
Australia, Nigeria's second opponent in the group stage, was much better prepared to deal with Nigeria's speedy attackers. Center-backs Alanna Kennedy and Laura Alleway proved effective in dealing with Oshoala and Okobi, and thus kept Nigeria off the scoresheet for 90 minutes. With excellent overall team speed and two goals from Kyah Simon, the Matildas claimed a deserved 2-0 victory.
The U.S. should take note. Center-back Julie Johnston played an excellent match against Sweden on Friday, and her speed, physicality and commanding presence will again be valuable against Nigeria. Full-backs Meghan Klingenberg and Ali Krieger likely will face a tough task in tracking runs on the flanks, while Johnston and Becky Sauerbrunn will have to remain mindful of their positioning in the middle as Nigeria works to break down the American defense with through balls.
Somewhat inexplicably, Oshoala has said that Sweden was a more difficult opponent than Australia.
"I would say Sweden actually made it very hard for us,” Oshoala told FIFA's website . “Australia I think were an easier opponent. We were unlucky not to get the goals we needed. But it doesn’t matter; we have to be better, no matter what.”
Oshoala's first claim is debatable at best, but she's right that Nigeria will have to play better against the U.S. on Tuesday. Needing points to stay alive in the World Cup, the Super Falcons will no doubt present a stiff test for the Americans.
For the U.S., which has struggled at times to play effective attacking soccer, victory will start from the back. If Johnston and the back line can contain Oshoala and Okobi, the Americans should be able to secure the result they need to top the group.
m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2495097-uswnt-must-stop-asisat-oshoala-ngozi-okobi-in-nigeria-match

Ordega, Nigeria Pose Spirited Threat to U.S. Team at Women’s World Cup.

Francisca Ordega gets a lift from Coach Edwin Okon after scoring late equalizer vs. Sweden last Monday. (USA TODAY Sports Images). Picture @ end of the article.

When Washington Spirit Coach Mark Parsons was scouting forward Francisca Ordega before this National Women’s Soccer League season, all the available highlight clips were of the Nigerian forward playing for her national team.
Except one, which featured Ordega scoring for Swedish club Piteain a 2013 league match.
Aside from speed and finishing touch, something else stood out: Beaten on the play were defender Ali Krieger and goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, Spirit members who, at the time, were with Swedish titan Tyreso during the NWSL offseason.
“She beat possibly our two best players,” Parsons recalled. “I spoke with Ali and Ashlyn and said, ‘This girl we are talking about signing scored this goal against you a few years ago. Do you remember it?’ They remembered.”
This spring, Ordega, 21, joined Krieger and Harris on the Spirit. On Tuesday, though, she will become their foe again, this time on the international stage. They’ll cross paths at Vancouver’s BC Place during a Women’s World Cup match between the United States and Nigeria, a confrontation that will help determine which teams from Group D advance to the knockout stage of the 24-team tournament.
Ordega, who scored a late equalizer in the opener against Sweden last Monday, is almost certain to start her third consecutive game. Krieger will probably remain in the U.S. lineup at right back, while Harris will back up Hope Solo.
While the Americans (four points) are atop the group and almost assured of a round-of-16 slot, the Super Falcons (one point) must win in order to advance to the elimination stage for the first time since 1999.
Drawn into the tournament’s most difficult quartet, Nigeria faced long odds from the start.
“It’s not easy,” Ordega said. “Everyone was like, ‘Oh, Nigeria is in the Group of Death.’ But for me, it’s not a group of death; it’s a group of survival.”
To survive, Nigeria will have to tighten a defense that has conceded five goals and displayed an inability to defend set pieces. But Nigeria’s swift, ambitious attack poses an unpredictable threat, one that helped the Super Falcons recover from 2-0 and 3-2 deficits in forging a 3-3 draw with heavily favored Sweden in Winnipeg.
Ordega’s goal came in the 87th minute. With teammate Ngozi Okobi in possession, Ordega made a stealth central run and gathered the through ball in stride to steer a low shot past the goalkeeper.
As Coach Edwin Okon kissed the ground, Ordega and her teammates gathered in the corner for a celebratory dance.
“They are skillful, they’re technical, they’re creative,” U.S. defender Meghan Klingenberg said, “and they’re incredibly fast.”
Nigeria’s momentum did not carry into the second match, though. Australia stuffed the potent attack to claim a 2-0 victory and second place behind the United States.
The Americans have won all four meetings with Nigeria, three in group stages of the World Cup. During the 1999 championship run, the U.S. team yielded the opening goal and then scored seven in a row. In 2003, the margin was 5-0. Four years later, it was 1-0. The other encounter was at the 2000 Olympics, a 3-1 outcome.
“History doesn’t play football,” Okon said. “The game is 11 versus 11.”
Ordega’s familiarity with Krieger, as well as other NWSL players she has faced during five games in the U.S. league, might raise Nigeria’s upset hopes.
“I will be able to bring one or two things about them,” she said, “and we can capitalize on that and nail them down.”
The only other Nigerian affiliated with an American team is forward Courtney Dike, a rising junior at Oklahoma State University. Her brother is MLS veteran Bright Dike.
To be continued....
www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/wp/2015/06/15/ordega-nigeria-pose-spirited-threat-to-u-s-team-at-womens-world-cup/

Continue from the last post........
Ordega was among six Spirit players to report to World Cup teams. Aside from Krieger and Harris, there was Canadian midfielder Diana Matheson, Mexican forward Veronica Perez and Mexican defender Arianna Romero.
Last week, the Spirit announced the signings of Australian forward Hayley Raso and Nigerian defender Josephine Chukwunonye.
Ordega has a wealth of international experience. In 2010, she scored three goals in four games at the Under-17 World Cup. At age 17, she made two substitute appearances during the 2011 World Cup in Germany. A year later at the U-20 World Cup, she recorded a hat trick against Italy and finished with four goals.
On the senior level, Ordega has recorded seven goals in 25 international matches.
Her proficiency drew the attention of the Spirit, which was stable in the back and midfield but sought attacking help.
“When we saw the footage, we thought she fit in this league perfectly: strong, quick, versatile, hard-working,” Parsons said. “She fits our system. To play up front for us, you have to work and create counterattacking opportunities from pressing [opposing defenders] up field.”
The decision to move to the NWSL was not difficult.
“I want to move on and go to the U.S. and start something new,” Ordega said. “It’s not about football sometimes because you have to plan ahead.”
In 2012, she told FIFA.com, “As soon as I hang up my boots, I hope to make it in acting.”
Before reporting to World Cup camp, Ordega posted two goals and two assists for the second-place Spirit (4-3-2). Like many players in the low-budget league, she has lived with a host family in Montgomery County. Captain Tori Huster provides rides to Maryland SoccerPlex.
“After our first game, people on the other team were asking, ‘Who is that girl?’ ” Parsons said about Ordega’s impressive debut. “I told them, ‘Oh, that’s Franny.’ They feared her.”
World Cup notes: FIFA suspended Nigerian reserve defender Ugo Njoku for three matches for elbowing Australia’s Samantha Kerr in the face during Friday’s match.
********************
United States vs. Nigeria
Where: BC Place in Vancouver.
When: Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.
TV/online: Fox, NBC Universo, Fox Sports Go, foxsoccer2go.com
Other match: Sweden vs. Australia in Edmonton, 8 p.m. ET (Fox Sports 1, nbcsports.com)
Group D standings
United States 1-0-1, 4 points, +2 goal differential
Australia 1-1-0, 3 points, 0 GD
Sweden 0-0-2, 2 points, 0 GD.
www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/wp/2015/06/15/ordega-nigeria-pose-spirited-threat-to-u-s-team-at-womens-world-cup/

Friends I visited this site and this is what some white dudes mostly Americans & some few Nigerians said about the Super Falcons.

Jim Williams about 6 hours ago.
Defense will be very important with this speedy opponent but both the midfield and front line had better step it up also. The US has some solid talent but from here on in if you don't start showing it and putting the ball in the net your going to be in serious trouble. As tough as it's been it's, obviously, going to 10 times worse in the second round.

2: Like Reply Flag as Offensive.
Mohammad Azharposted about 5 hours ago Contributor I.
Talent wise USA is one of the best in the world but the game against Nigeria will be tough because Nigeria can play very physical against their opponent. Hopefully USA plays better and wins.

1: Like Reply Flag as Offensive Edit Delete.
Keanos Dog posted about 1 hour ago Contributor I.
Nigeria are rubbish and the US will beat them comfortably.

1: Like Reply Flag as Offensive Edit Delete.
Emeka Umeana about 2 hours ago
Cmon Nigeria.

0: Like Reply Flag as Offensive
Precious A. about 2 hours ago
It is time for America to loose their first match .This is our time to show the World and America that the game of soccer is not about donuts and coffee, but about power and technic, and we have that. Americans beware the time has come for you guys to feel the heat of the African power house. Ladies keep the flag of hope and confidence flying. We shall over come. Salute to the righteous.

0: Like Reply Flag as Offensive
Keanos Dog posted about 1 hour agoContributor I.

Yeah, just like you did against Australia? Apart from the vicious off the ball elbow Nigeria did nothing of note.
1: Like Reply Flag as Offensive Edit Delete
Jim William sposted 8 minutes ago Contributor I.

Donuts and coffee
1: Like Reply Flag as Offensive Edit Delete
brendan o about 2 hours ago
Nigeria gets my vote for most improved since the last world cup. They are really good and its a shame they were put into this group. They should not be going out in the group stage. But that's the way the cards were delt so. I hope for a great fair match. Lots of goals and lots of action. Praise Nigeria!
0: Like Reply Flag as Offensive
Ted Morehouse about 6 hours ago
A Nigerian player has been banned for the next three matches, due to violations against Australia. Is she an important player for Nigeria?

0: Like Reply Flag as Offensive
PhiIly Phana bout 5 hours ago
Not really she's a bench player
0: Like Reply Flag as Offensive
m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2495097-uswnt-must-stop-asisat-oshoala-ngozi-okobi-in-nigeria-match

US Soccer Has Failed Over Hope Solo – but it shouldn't just ape the NFL.
The federation has shown a lack of transparency over Solo’s arrest for domestic violence, but there’s huge pressure to keep the world’s best goalie on the field
Hope Solo after the 0-0 draw with Sweden.
The Women’s World Cup is in full swing. USA will play their third and final match of the group stage on Tuesday evening against Nigeria. Yet discussion of the team has focused on one particular player: goalkeeper Hope Solo.
Little of that has to do with her play on the field. Instead, there is a robust conversation about her arrest nearly a year ago for two counts of domestic violence in Kirkland, Washington.
US soccer federation defends Hope Solo decisions in letter to senator
The day after the kick-off the World Cup, ESPN’s Outside the Lines published a report about what took place that night between Solo, her half-sister, Teresa Obert, and Obert’s son, 17 at the time. The piece, based on police records, sworn depositions, and an interview with Obert, painted a grim picture of Solo as a violent instigator in a dispute with her family. Solo has maintained her innocence and said that she was the victim of domestic violence at the hands of her nephew.
The case has yet to be heard in court because the charges were dismissed in January. The judge, according to ESPN, said that Obert and her son were being uncooperative when they refused to give sworn depositions for a second time, and that the prosecution failed to follow “procedural discovery rules” concerning witnesses. The city has filed an appeal with the superior court of Washington and a hearing for the appeal will be heard in September.
One of the biggest reveals in the report is that US Soccer, which oversees the women’s team and with whom the players have a collective bargaining agreement, did not talk to Obert or her son, nor is there evidence that they talked to the prosecutors or the police. The president of US Soccer, Sunil Gulati, in response to a letterfrom senator Richard Blumenthal, confirmed that they did not talk to the Oberts, but did say they had interviewed Solo and obtained a partial but redacted police report.
Also, it’s possible Solo was punished for this incident. Most likely she was, although her 30-day suspension in January was certainly also tied to an incident involving her husband driving a US soccer van while under the influence. The confusion stems from US Soccer having been tight-lipped on what they have done with Solo, leaving everyone guessing about their commitment to dealing with allegations of violence committed by players off the field. Writers at the New York Times, the New Yorker, and Yahoo Sports have all called for more transparency from US Soccer in this particular case, as well as for a clarification in policy to guide the federation the next time a player is arrested for assault.
In all of this, there has been a move to compare US Soccer’s response to the NFL’s, since the latter has faced scrutiny how it reacted to multiple players over the last season who have been accused, arrested, or charged for assault against women and/or family members. The NFL has scrambled to implement policy and dole out punishments, though the league’s decision often appear reactive and arbitrary.
But professional football is an incredibly rich, powerful, and popular sport in the US. Women’s soccer is not, though its popularity is always increasing (and not just in the US). If the NFL suspends a player during the post season and his team loses because that player is not on the field, there is no fear that the team, the league, or the sport will lose its financial backing, have its legitimacy questioned, or even have to justify its existence.
To be continued in the next post....
www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/15/us-soccer-hope-solo-nfl

Continue from the last post.....

Women’s soccer is still treated poorly. Female soccer players, at the premier event of their sport, cannot even get the best quality turf to play on. An employee of ESPN, the so-called worldwide leader in sports, made a joke on live TV about the how best team in the World Cup did not stop a free-kick goal because “they might not have wanted to mess their hair up.”
When the women of the US soccer team step onto the pitch at the World Cup, how they perform matters greatly. USA is known as being good, athletic, and, dare I say, better than their male equivalent. During the World Cup, people who rarely pay attention to women’s sport are now watching matches, or at least highlights. Sports center on ESPN gave only 2% of its air time to women’s sports in 2014, an unchanging percentage since last century. The US team becomes a stand-in for all of women’s sports for people who never get or seek out an opportunity to see women play. If the team fails to meet expectations, they risk lending credence to the idea that not only is their sport not worth watching or caring about, women’s sports in general are a much lesser version of men’s.
The US Soccer federation failed in how they handled Solo’s domestic violence case. But this is as true as how necessary it is for USA to have Solo, the best goalkeeper in the game, on the field. The team needs her in order to have a chance at making a deep run in the tournament, and they do need to do a deep run. The stakes are ridiculously high when it comes to the fight for legitimacy of the sport.
The discussion we are currently having around Hope Solo is the result of the way our society downplays and ignores abuse and women’s sport. The pressure for USA to be spectacular whenever the world is watching is a thick layer of misogyny overtop of what was already a difficult situation, one made worse because of a lack of transparency from US Soccer.
www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/15/us-soccer-hope-solo-nfl

FIFA Women's World Cup:
Canada Top Group Despite Netherlands Draw.

An early Ashley Lawrence goal seemed enough for Canada to earn victory, only for the Netherlands’ Kirsten van de Ven to equalise with three minutes remaining to leave the hosts topping the group and their opponents awaiting their fate as a likely third-best qualifier.
Canada opened in forceful fashion with Sophie Schmidt looping a header on to the crossbar, but the Canucks didn’t have to wait long for their goal. Lawrence profited as the Netherlands failed to clear their lines, with the young midfielder guiding the ball into the net from 15 yards on the ten-minute mark.
The lively Lawrence was a constant menace, firing in multiple efforts, including one near miss just after the goal. With every permutation in the group standings still possible, the match evened itself out as play invariably switched from end to end. The Dutch forward trio, backed by No10 Danielle van de Donk, always looking likely to do damage.
Despite the endeavour from both teams, genuine goalscoring opportunities were at a premium during the second half, and both defences looked strong in keeping with previous matches in the group.
Canada goalkeeper Erin McLeod, who had been a spectator for large chunks of the match, pulled off a fine save to deny Manon Melis as she bore down on goal with six minutes remaining.
But the Netherlands were not to be denied and substitute Van De Ven drew her side level after being sent free by Melis, as McLeod was finally beaten for the first time at the tournament much to the disappointment of the Montreal crowd.
m.fifa.com/womensworldcup/matches/round=268020/match=300269511/match-report.html

FIFA Women's World Cup:
Chinese, Kiwis Draw as Football Ferns say Farewell.
A very even battle between China PR and New Zealand ended 2-2 in Winnipeg, which was enough to send the Chinese through to the knockout phase of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ but sealed their opponents' elimination.
Early on, Wang Shanshan’s flash header surprised goalkeeper Erin Nayler, but the New Zealand No1 managed to keep it out. The game, while leaning in favour of the Football Ferns, stayed fairly balanced throughout the first half.
Rebekah Stott scored first for New Zealand, hammering home following a corner that somehow made its way through a crowd in the middle of the box for the centre-back to hammer home. But after Wang Lisi nearly scored a free-kick in the 34th minute, she equalised for China from the penalty spot – despite Nayler guessing correctly and almost getting and hand to her effort – when Betsy Hassett was judged to have handled the ball in her own area.
The second half once again began quite evenly matched between the two sides, but China pulled ahead with 30 minutes remaining courtesy of great service from captain Wu Haiyan to Wang Shanshan, who scored a brave header after losing her defender, just beating Nayler to the ball. China’s lead would only last four minutes, however, as Hannah Wilkinson equalised for the Football Ferns from a deep cross from the left that was put back into the box by Amber Hearn for the No17 to head past Wang Fei.
China could have earned the three points 15 minutes from time when Wang Lisi found Wang Shanshan alone in the area, but the No9 mishit her shot and it sprayed wide. Shanshan nearly kneed the ball over Nayler in the 84th minute but the goalkeeper showed great ability to tip her effort once again over the bar.
The result, a fair one in the end, earned both sides a point, which was not enough to keep New Zealand in the Great White North for the knockout stages but keeps the Chinese in Canada for at least one more match.
Live Your Goals Player of the Match: Annalie Longo (New Zealand).
m.fifa.com/womensworldcup/matches/round=268020/match=300269487/match-report.html

FIFA Women's World Cup:
Dominant Germany Advance Despite Thailand Resistance.

Germany reached the Round of 16 with relative ease after a low key first half, beating Thailand 4-0 to claim top spot in Group B at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™.
The Europeans were quick to attack Thailand’s goal, and if it was not for the heroics of goalkeeper Waraporn Boonsing, Siliva Neid’s side could have run away with the game from the early stages. Melanie Behringer took an early shot to test Boonsing, but she safely parried the ball away, and defender Natthakarn Chinwong headed the subsequent corner kick off the line to keep it scoreless.
Thailand nearly broke free at the other end 20 minutes in. Kanjana Sung-Ngoen capitalised on a rare mistake from the German backline and the No21 raced towards goal with a quick counter-attack but she slowed down and was only able to force a corner kick, which did not result in much for the War Elephants.
Melanie Leupolz broke the deadlock four minutes later with a looping header off a corner kick, which snuck past a Thai defender on the far post to give Germany the lead. But Thailand remained resolute in their defending and Boonsing made save after save, including denying Celia Sasic twice just before the break to send Nuengrutai Srathongvian’s team into half-time still very much in the match.
However, the floodgates opened for Germany ten minutes after half-time as Lena Petermann made it 2-0 and then 3-0 in a space of two minutes, both goals coming from the substitute’s head. Sara Daebritz finished the scoring with an easy tap in after she was left unmarked by the Thai defence on the back post.
Live Your Goals Player of the Match: Melanie Leupolz (Germany).
m.fifa.com/womensworldcup/matches/round=268020/match=300269510/match-report.html

FIFA Women's World Cup:
Quotes: Thailand-Germany.

Nuengrutai Srathongvian, Thailand coach
We accept Germany's experience made them a better side today. They have great confident in winning the ball in the air, which is one of our weaknesses. We gave our best effort today; their defense was very good. We still have a chance to go through. This has been a great experience for us and we have to continue to develop.
Silvia Neid, Germany coach
We rarely demonstrated superiority. We didn't keep the speed up. At 1-0 we kept worrying but our strategy was implemented better in the second half. We're happy this win means we won the group, but everything starts again in the Round of 16.
m.fifa.com/womensworldcup/matches/round=268020/match=300269510/quotes.html

FIFA Women's World Cup:
Norway Outlast Brave Côte d'Ivoire to Seal Second.

Norway were made to work hard before subduing Côte d'Ivoire 3-1 in Moncton to seal second place in Group B, behind Germany on goal difference.
Norway needed to wrack up a huge score if they were to overhaul Germany at the top of the standings, but despite creating a host of chances they rarely looked like completely running away with the contest.
It was a mixed match for Ada Hegerberg, who scored once in each half but missed a host of goalscoring opportunities.
Hegerberg netted on just six minutes after deftly firing home from an acute angle. Later in the half the 19-year-old saw one notable effort saved by goalkeeper Cynthia Djohore, before then proceeding to mishit her shot with an open net looming.
Norway and Hegerberg doubled their tally on 62 minutes as, while veteran midfielder Solveig Gulbrandsen made the most of a goalmouth scramble to add to her impressive FIFA Women’s World Cup™ record with another goal five minutes later.
The Ivorians, to their credit, battled tirelessly and were soon rewarded as diminutive forward Ange Nguessan produced a great run and shot to set off wild celebrations.
Live Your Goals Player of the Match: Ada Hegerberg (Norway).
m.fifa.com/womensworldcup/matches/round=268020/match=300269482/match-report.html

FIFA Women's World Cup:
Quotes: Côte d'Ivoire-Norway

Clementine Toure, Côte d'Ivoire Coach.
I feel very emotional after the performance that my players put in. It’s so pleasing to see how much progress they’ve made in the three matches they’ve played here. I’ve got no regrets; I’m more than satisfied. We lost because of mistakes caused by a lack of experience, but overall, it was a match that taught us a lot.
Even Pellerud, Norway coach.
We’re happy to have won and to have gone through in second place. We played well today, but only in patches. I’d like to congratulate Côte d'Ivoire on the progress they’ve made – they’ve got some top-notch players, and they made life difficult for us today.
m.fifa.com/womensworldcup/news/y=2015/m=6/news=civ-nor-les-declarations-2649285-2649384.html

If Nigeria finish amongst the best third-placed teams, they will meet Canada in the Round of 16.

CFCfan:
If Nigeria finish amongst the best third-placed teams, they will meet Canada in the Round of 16.

Okokobioko

We must avoid meeting the host team.

Afam4eva:

Okokobioko

We must avoid meeting the host team.

We will beat Canada. But lets beat USA tonight first.

FIFA Women's World Cup:
Quotes: China PR-New Zealand.

Chang Weiwei, China PR assistant coach.
During the half-time break, I told the team to make faster passes and to find loopholes in their backline. That's why we were able to have the draw. We have been training our players to be faster on the field. I believe our players have improved greatly.
Tony Readings, New Zealand coach.
We became more and more attacking as the game went on, but if you can't score more goals than your opposition then you're not going to get the points you need. In terms of overall performance I couldn't any prouder of the players today. They left everything out there. We're going to come back really strong next year for the Olympics.
m.fifa.com/womensworldcup/matches/round=268020/match=300269487/quotes.html

CFCfan:
If Nigeria finish amongst the best third-placed teams, they will meet Canada in the Round of 16.

I will be the most happiest person in the world. This Nig. Vs USA match is going to be the most difficult one for the Super Falcons because the USA will definitely get support from the fans as well as the Referee. Our girls will have to play with an extra leg to defeat the Americans.
Go Super Falcons Go We Believe in You.

Okon seems to be reading this thread. Yesterday, the team only had 15 minutes light training all day. The girls were fully rested afterwards.
I expect them to be very very fresh and agile for 90 minutes against USA. If the defence does not mess up, Nigeria will win.
I predict a shock for USA.

olapluto:
Okon seems to be reading this thread. Yesterday, the team only had 15 minutes light training all day. The girls were fully rested afterwards.
I expect them to be very very fresh and agile for 90 minutes against USA. If the defence does not mess up, Nigeria will win.
I predict a shock for USA.

He should also borrow a leaf from us n take a look at our tactical contributions.

God bless the super falcons.

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olapluto:
Okon seems to be reading this thread. Yesterday, the team only had 15 minutes light training all day. The girls were fully rested afterwards.
I expect them to be very very fresh and agile for 90 minutes against USA. If the defence does not mess up, Nigeria will win.
I predict a shock for USA.

lol.
But I expect the team medics and psychologist to give him counsel on this.

I dont mind dat at all... I beliv shocking d USWNT today with a win gonna send shivers down d spines of canadians... Let's roll girls... We can do this... Time to show da world what 'SUPER' really means... But u've got to play Smart and tight at d back... Bring them on!!!

CFCfan:
If Nigeria finish amongst the best third-placed teams, they will meet Canada in the Round of 16.

The usa i saw was not that good, to be honest they are not gods like people think and if (and that's a big IF) Nigeria gets hot the USWNT are in for trouble the only problem is Nigeria has this bad trait of self destruction. We need to ring in changes to give them a different look, i say Ayila should start over Ayinde. Right now we miss Igbinovia and Sunday especially Uchechi Sunday because she is as good as Oshoala but just never been given the opportunity to be the main woman, she has speed, size and an eye for goal. In my opinion which doesn't matter our under 20 team would have beat Australia hands down, their coach should have been drafted into Okon's coaching crew at least case in point the way he shared time between Sunday and Dike and scoring was never a problem even in the finals we scored but were cheated out of our goal.

BascoVanVeli:
The usa i saw was not that good, to be honest they are not gods like people think and if (and that's a big IF) Nigeria gets hot the USWNT are in for trouble the only problem is Nigeria has this bad trait of self destruction. We need to ring in changes to give them a different look, i say Ayila should start over Ayinde. Right now we miss Igbinovia and Sunday especially Uchechi Sunday because she is as good as Oshoala but just never been given the opportunity to be the main woman, she has speed, size and an eye for goal. In my opinion which doesn't matter our under 20 team would have beat Australia hands down, their coach should have been drafted into Okon's coaching crew at least case in point the way he shared time between Sunday and Dike and scoring was never a problem even in the finals we scored but were cheated out of our goal.

Remember it is Ayila that cost us that goal in final. I think the line up today will speak volumes. USA is bullish, but very empty. They will learn a big lesson tonight. Ayo Omidiran is in Canada, that woman can motivate!

BascoVanVeli:
The usa i saw was not that good, to be honest they are not gods like people think and if (and that's a big IF) Nigeria gets hot the USWNT are in for trouble the only problem is Nigeria has this bad trait of self destruction. We need to ring in changes to give them a different look, i say Ayila should start over Ayinde. Right now we miss Igbinovia and Sunday especially Uchechi Sunday because she is as good as Oshoala but just never been given the opportunity to be the main woman, she has speed, size and an eye for goal. In my opinion which doesn't matter our under 20 team would have beat Australia hands down, their coach should have been drafted into Okon's coaching crew at least case in point the way he shared time between Sunday and Dike and scoring was never a problem even in the finals we scored but were cheated out of our goal.

The thing here is that you don't force a backroom staff or assistants on the Coach, when you do, it affects the chemistry and rythm of the whole team because they would always be clashes and when they fail to rich concensus on issues of mutual importance, the whole project might not lead to success. Behold, you need likeminded or people who believe in same ideology/philosophy to work together to produce better results.
What the NFF can do is to sponsor our coaches on refresher courses abroad to improve on their technical and tactical aspect of the game. That will definitely have a positive bearing on all our national teams.

Falcons: Australian Lessons Ahead of USA Bout.
After an encouraging showing against Sweden in Nigeria’s opener at the Women’s World Cup, we examine where it went wrong in the second match vs. Australia.

Nigeria’s incredible comeback in the 3-3 draw against Sweden in their 2015 Fifa Women's World Cup opener came in contrast to their subsequent low-spirited showing against Australia.
Here, Goal Nigeria looks back over the real reasons behind the Super Falcons' 2-0 defeat to the Matildas at Winnipeg Stadium on Friday in the Women's World Cup and ask what we can expect ahead of the final match against the United States.
No doubt, many Nigerians had high hopes for the national side following their superlative display against Sweden, where they grounded out a point, despite having a two-goal deficit at half time.
A win for Nigeria would have eased their troubles against an Australian side who looked like a team ready to be buried, but turned things around against expectations.
After an impressive first 20 minutes, the African side began to lose their dominance in the midfield, while their attacking forays beginning to lose the vigour of the opening stages. The crash in the offensive strength and the failure to convert half-chances gifted a very clinical and composed Australia side a route back into the contest.
A lack of information on opponents, players' selfishness, a poor show of character, underwhelming communication, and tiredness were among the factors that made the Nigerians looked ordinary.
Stakeholders and football analysts had earlier cried for the exoneration of the girls going into the competition, insisting not too much should be expected from the Falcons' considering their ill-preparation—their fears were realised against Australia.
Another concern heading into the tournament was the lack of high-profile friendlies to boost the team’s performance at competitive level.
Oshoala |Struggling under the burden?
Despite showing glimpses of quality in the opening two games, Liverpool’s Asisat Oshoala could not shoulder the burden of her team as her performance in front of goal was below expectations.
The 20-year-old, who seemingly played with much frustration due to limited support, consistently came up against a brick wall despite some spirited running against the Australian defence.
Oshoala needs to match her stardom by making her presence count, without losing her head under the heat of pressure against a star-studded and organised US side.
Veteran striker Perpetual Nkwocha, who came on in the second half for Oshoala to make her fourth World Cup appearance, admitted the team's failure to play as unit.
"It was a bad day for us. I can't say the God of soccer failed because we did not do the right thing," Nkwocha told Goal.
"Our coach told us that we need to fight for each other and play together, but we did not," she noted.
Nkwocha |Admitting complacency.
Oshoala too expressed disappointment at the performance of the team: "God did not fail us. I think it was over confidence on our part. We still have a lot to do to make sure we get out of the group.”
From the Australia side, coach Allen Stajcic said the Aussies coped better defensively than they did against the US, admitting that having more possession of the ball gave them the winning edge.
"It was a tough game; a tough battle out there in the heat. Both sides had plenty of good attacks and we were the more clinical side," Stajcic said, "that’s what we weren’t the other day.
“A couple key moments won us the match. We had quite good control of the game," he concluded.
Going into the final group clash, the chances of the Falcons hinge largely on the ladies' ability to find balance between defending and attacking, while their fitness and strength must also improve.
Those writing Nigeria’s ladies off do so prematurely, but should Edwin Okon’s side overcome the States and advance to the knockout stages, it would be their greatest achievement yet.
m.goal.com/x/en-ng/news/12771972