Mouktar and Edibi back Nigeria to improve ahead of Australia test 

By Wale Mustapha

Chairman of FCT Football Association, Mallam Adam Mouktar has implored the Super Falcons to work on their lapses ahead of their second FIFA Women’s World Cup clash against Australia on Thursday.

The Nigerian girls held Canada to a goaless draw in their opening match on Friday despite their off the pitch distractions regarding bonuses and faceoff between Coach Randy Waldrum and the country’s football federation, NFF.

Match captain, Chiamaka Nnadozie emerged heroine of the match as she saved a second half penalty against the Olympics champions to earn the Super Falcons’ performance a point.

The veteran football administrator however charged the nine time African champions to build on the performance against Canada as they head into another tough game against the host nation.

“We played a very good side in Canada and we fought well and held out,” Mouktar told DailyTrust.

“Unfortunately we got a red card and we must improve defensively, if we are to go far in the competition.

“We were lucky that our goalkeeper saved the penalty and ended with the Woman of the match Award. She literally saved us.

“The Super Falcons must step up their game because our next opponents Australia are the co-host so it will be very tough to beat them,” he said.

A retired FIFA referee, Peter Edibi also bare his mind on the match noting that the girls deserve commendation against Canadians as a defeat would have been disastrous.

He also said the Super Falcons should ensure they avoid defeat against the Matildas to keep hopes of their qualification to next round alive.

“At the Women’s World Cup level, there is no easy match. The girls showed the right fighting spirit. Even as they were reduced to 10 players, they held on for a draw,” Edibi told Daily Trust.

“I believe if they are able to maintain the same fighting spirit, they will not crash out at the group stage. I think what they need now is concentration and the much needed support from all Nigerians.”

Nigeria will be taking on the Matildas of Australia in the second group game on Thursday in Brisbane by 11am Nigerian time.