By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Sports Writer, kick442.com Nigeria
Super Falcons of Nigeria on Monday, February 15, 2021, arrived in Antalya by 9:18 am Nigerian time ahead of the 2021 Turkish Cup.
According to the team Media Officer, Oluchi Tobe Chukwu, the team settled down at the Emir hotels with the team captain, Asisat Oshoala on ground when they checked in.
Before jetting out of the country, players expressed optimism ahead of their participation at the tourney.
Onome Ebi says the tournament will help rebuild the team after the last time they played in 2019.
“We are going to Turkey to build a team. It’s been long that we have played together as a team. This tournament is going to help us come together after a very long time. It’s just sad that some of our players will not be able to join us but we will make do with what we have.”
Ebi also expects the new coach of the team, Randy Waldrum to bring his tactics to bear on the team.
She said: “I have worked with different coaches. Our coach won’t be an exception. He will bring his tactics and style of play to the team. I can work with any coach and believe he has got a lot to give to the Super Falcons and I am 100 percent ready to work with him. I hope and pray that he is going to bring something different to the team. We are hoping to see him and work with him.”
Madrid CFF’s Chidinma Okeke, Nasarawa Amazons captain, Mariam Ibrahim, and FC Robo Queens’ duo of Monday Gift and Akinwande Kehinde Abibat expressed optimism ahead of the tournament.
Chidinma Okeke (Madrid CFF)
I want to thank the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for making this possible for us to play these friendly matches in Turkey despite the COVID-19 pandemic. After my last injury, I thank God that I am back and excited to be called upon for these friendly games. I pray that everything works out for us to make our country proud.
Akinwande Kehinde Abibat (FC Robo Queens)
I feel honoured to be invited to the Super Falcons. It’s a great privilege for me and I am grateful to God for this invite. I promise that when I get to Turkey, we will put in our best and make sure that I justify the call-up. This will show that I am worthy of being called upon to represent the country.
Monday Gift (FC Robo Queens)
I feel blessed and grateful for being among the five home-based players being invited to the Super Falcons to represent Nigeria at the Turkish Cup. I will give my best to prove that I am worthy of my invitation and help Nigeria qualify for the final.
Mariam Ibrahim (Nasarawa Amazons captain)
I appreciate God for this wonderful opportunity. We are here once again to participate in the Turkish tournament. By the special grace of God, we are hoping to be in the final. I will try to give 150 percent to make sure that the team qualifies for the final of the tournament. We will work together as a team to encourage one another to make Africa and Nigeria proud.
The Super Falcons are scheduled to open camp in Alanya on Monday and will face CSKA Moscow at the Gold City Stadium on February 18 before taking on Uzbekistan and Equatorial Guinea later.
The African champions will aim to become the first side from the continent to win the international women’s competition.
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