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Former Super Falcons goalkeeper, Ann Chiejine, has advised
against herding members of Nigeria’s U-20, the Falconets into the senior
national team.

She noted that even though the Falconets need to be celebrated,
care should be taken in pushing them into the Super Falcons as the women’s game
is a bit different from that of the men.

“Women’s football is not the same with the men’s version. In
female football, women mature much later in their football careers. I was
national goalkeeper for close to 15 years and I can say that I was the best
when I was nearing retirement. I have been to three World Cups and two
Olympics, if we graduate these players (Falconets) hastily, we will not get the
desired results. At most, five to seven of the Germany team will be promoted
and that is the truth.

Graduation to the senior
team

“Yes, they performed very well, but they cannot all graduate to
the senior team. Whoever amongst them makes the mark will definitely be given
an equal chance to fight for a shirt in camp but I am sure that not all of them
will make it.”

The Falconets were awarded scholarship gifts and observers
believe that as the U-17s go to Trinidad, they could be worried about these and
undermine their performances.

Chiejine said the gifts are acceptable and she that more will be
done for the girls.

“I know that other things will follow. When you pass an
examination, you usually get more than biscuits and soft drinks… The issue of
awarding scholarship is a very good one.

“We have more competitions coming and these girls need to be celebrated in
cash and kind. We all know how Nigeria is. If our women are supported much
more, we will achieve much more. The ultimate goal is to lift the World Cup or
get the gold medal at the Olympics but that will only be possible if we
celebrate our girls properly.”