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For Nigeria’s U-17
women’s team, the Flamingoes to excel at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which
begins in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, the ladies need to be
motivated.

Joy Etim, former assistant coach of the Super Falcons, said this is what guarantees a splendid performance.

“You know you
cannot expect people to do well if they are not encouraged in what they
do. Passion is good but motivation will encourage people to make a
better effort,” she said.

The newly elected
President of Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari, had said at
the weekend that the federation will give the Flamingoes enough
attention as they represent the future of Nigeria. But Etim is
sceptical about his promise.

“It is not enough that we make promises to the girls; we must also back it up with action,” she said.

“You know they have
heard a lot of these promises but you know this man (Maigari) is new,
we practically know next to nothing about him. Since he has promised to
do his best, let us wait and see. If at the end of the day he does not
do what he is supposed to do, then we can talk but now, I will like us
to wait and see before we react”.

More female coaches

The former Falcons assistant coach also called on the NFF to employ more female coaches for our national teams.

“It is a man that
is in charge of the present U-17 whereas we have trained women coaches
who are without work after they graduate from the National Institute
for Sports,” she explained.

The FIFA U-17 Women
World Cup started two years ago and Nigeria was the first African team
to qualify but they did not reach they knockout stage after losing to
England and recording a draw against Brazil.

In this year’s
edition, the Flamingoes were drawn in Group A with newcomers and host,
Trinidad and Tobago; Chile; and Korea DPR, who are currently the title
holders.

Team coach, Peter Dedevbo is hoping for a good start in the first match against Korea DPR on Sunday.

The Flamingoes, who travelled to Florida, USA last week for a
training tour before heading to Trinidad and Tobago for the tournament,
hope to better their performance in 2008. Ghana and South Africa,
Africa’s other representatives at the World Cup which will last from
September 5-25, were drawn in Groups D and B respectively.