NIGERIA Football Federation president Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau is sure the Falconets will overcome Tanzania on their way to qualifying for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
The Nigerian girls face their Tanzanian counterparts in Dar es Salaam on Sunday in the first leg of their second qualifying round tie before hosting the return leg in Abuja seven days later.
Speaking when he visited the Falconets at the FIFA Goal Project inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja today, in what was their last training session before their trip to Dar es Salaam, Gusau said the players must make Nigeria proud both on and off the field in Tanzania.
“Your first port of call is Tanzania, but your destination is Colombia, where the World Cup will take place next year. You must have it in mind that this is only the beginning of the journey,” the NFF chief said.
“I have no doubt that you will conquer Tanzania and go ahead to qualify for the World Cup finals.
“Our country has never failed to qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since the competition started more than 20 years ago, and I am sure you girls will not want to be the first set to be associated with failure.
“Therefore, you must put in extra effort, listen to your coaches and play to instructions.”
Gusau told the players that the character they display off the field of play at all times is as important as the talent and skill that they show on it.
“As ambassadors of our great nation, you have a responsibility to be of the very best conduct on and off the field. You must fly the flag brilliantly and conscientiously, and emerge victorious,” he added.
“After the Tanzanian hurdle, there are still more hurdles for you to overcome before earning the ticket to Colombia. So, it is a long journey with a lot of hard work and determination, but it is worth it to put your career on track and head towards greatness in your chosen field.”
The Falconets’ contingent will depart Nigeria tomorrow aboard an Ethiopian Airways flight to Addis Ababa and onwards to Dar es Salaam.
