Admin Newshunters 
Last Friday, the Super Falcons defeated their Ivorian counterparts at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja by 2-0 courtesy of Ifeoma Onumonu’s brace.
Many people including the players, coaches and officials celebrated and went home happy but many did not notice some things that were absent in the girls’ game.
Our match analysis revealed that the Super Falcons did not shoot throughout the match except the clearance they made and the set pieces. Shooting is very necessary in a match especially when you cannot penetrate the opponent’s 18-yard box but shooting was absent throughout.
Secondly, the markings of the Super Falcons were too soft, they were not hard like the Ivorians who were very physical especially when they lose the ball. This could be possible probably maybe because most of their players are home-based.
This is where the inclusions of home-based players are needed in the national teams both the male and female. There is need for the presence of home-based players who will help in the marking and tackling of the opponents especially in the midfield.
The Falcons are too fragile and might be vulnerable especially when it comes to African football. We saw it in the male African Cup of Nations, AFCON, where referees overlooked some tackles. When we eventually qualify for the African Women Cup of Nations, AWCON, the coach should not hesitate to include home based players in the team because they will face more tackles from other opponents if they intend to lift the trophy.
Also, the Falcons also seem to be struggling with fitness, probably maybe because of jetlag or fatigue due to their engagements in their various club sides but the Ivorians that played against the Falcons in Abuja were very fit and could play for three hours non-stop and not get tired.
The coach has to work on the fitness of the Super Falcons if they must overcome Cote d’Ivoire in their backyard. Having experienced players in the team is not enough to scale through.
There is also need to teach the players how to go on a counter attack against their opponents. This idea of slowing down the game when the opponents are behind is a disadvantage to the team.
Delay tactic is also necessary. This is actually lacking in both the male and female national teams because we feel it is not necessary. Shooting the balls in the air or kicking the balls away can only work in the Nigerian league because the ball-boys disappear and the teams are left with one ball but that cannot work in tournaments and qualifiers like this.
Lastly, there is need for coaches to teach the players and goalkeeper on how build up from the back, it shows confidence. The idea of goalkeeper shooting the balls every time in the air will make the opponent to conclude that they are afraid of them and will want to impose themselves on them.
That was what was noticed in their last match where the Ivorians did the playing while the Super Falcons did the scoring. As the giant of African especially in the round leather game which they have dominated for a long time, there is need for the Falcons to prove that truly they are in charge both in the playing and in scoring.
