AWC: Ikhana In Dilemma Over Foreign Based Players

Super Falcons coach Kadiri Ikhana expects to call up at
least eight players from abroad to join his squad in preparation for the African
Women Championships, but is uncertain which players to pick.

“I cannot confirm the number of foreign-based players that
will be invited to camp. I am working closely with the technical department of
the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to ensure that we invite the best
players.

“Players like Perpetua Nkwocha, Rita Chikwelu, and Onome Ebi
will be invited alongside others. I think we will invite at least 8 more
players who play outside Nigeria to join those we have in camp now,” said
Ikhana.

“We do not want to invite players just because they play in
foreign leagues. We want to invite players who are in form and play regular
competitive matches for their clubs.”

He added: “The tournament is just around the corner and we
need to have the players join the team in camp at least three weeks to the
tournament. We will most likely identify the players we need in a few days and
write to their clubs this week so they can be released in time to join us.”

Ikhana was quick to add that he expects players to fight for
the chance to be in his final team to participate in Africa’s biggest
tournament for women, saying that no player is assured an automatic place in
the final squad.

“The competition in the squad is very tough. Most of the
ladies who play at home are very talented and want to make the team.

“The foreign-based players will have to work very hard to
displace the ladies already in camp because they are a very talented bunch.”

The coach says so far, he is satisfied with the invited
players after one week of camp, as they prepare for the 8th African Women’s
Championship set to hold in Equatorial Guinea.

“All the 27 players in camp have shown me that they want to
be part of this team. I am very pleased with the level of discipline and
commitment the ladies have shown. As a coach, I couldn’t have asked for more.”