By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
FORMER Nigerian international and Super Eagles defender, Sam Sodje, says if the Super Falcons must win their next matches, they must be disciplined and eschew red flags or suspensions.
Stonix News reports that the Super Falcons’ next group match at the ongoing FIFA WWW will be against debutant Republic of Ireland.
The Nigerian girls are leading the group with four points ahead of Canada after defeating co-host – Australia on Thursday.
England-born Sodje, who’s Special Adviser to the immediate past Delta State’s Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Sports, spoke exclusively with our correspondent on Friday in Warri.
Sam Sodje
He described the superlative performance of the Nigerian girls against Australia as a “masters class,” but urged the girls to strengthen themselves and remember that each game has its challenges and approach.
“We all have to be proud about how the Super Falcons played against Australia because it is not easy. I have to say it is a master class and we have to give the credit. He approached the game, accordingly.
“For the first time, we have to be so proud of how a Nigerian team was tailored to play to the system and they did it on point.
“Moving forward, we have to know that different games come with different challenges, so I think the next game will be a different challenge.
“Attacking wise, we have to strengthen ourselves; we have to get goals, winning competition, we have and they have the team.
“This should also be a good platform for what we have been talking about for so many years now.
“I’m sure that the manager has a defensive coach because the way they defended it was top-class.
“They knew exactly when to hold the line and when to push up. I’m sure that if the manager is listening to what I’m saying now, he would agree to what I’m saying now.
“If he’s got a defensive coach, he has done a good job. Hopefully, he can listen and take a lesson from what the Super Falcons have done today against Australia. Because you need a good defensive and compact team knowing exactly when to win any tournament or to go further in any national team.
“The advice I can give to the team is discipline and I think if they can keep 11 players on the pitch every time, it tells us that they have a system that they play to.
“If they can be disciplined and make sure that they don’t get any red flags or suspensions, we will not only become the best team in the tournament, we’d will go far,” the former Portsmouth Football Club player averred.
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