Sports
Nigerians Hail Team, Call For Caution
As Nigeria Falconets secured one of the semi-final tickets of the on going under-20 female World Cup, in Germany yesterday after beating the defending champions USA on penalties, football analysts, coaches and football lovers have followed up with reaction on their prospects and performances in the competition.
In his reaction, former Sharks’ youth football team coach, Barnabas Chimezie, said the Nigeria female team have the potentials to lift the trophy.
According to him, the only problem facing the team is the difficulty in coverting scoring chances. He, however, noted that the problem had become a major issue to all our national teams.
“Yes, I believe strongly that our Falconets can lift the trophy, because they play quality football and have good control of the ball, but they must begin to convert clear scoring chances” Chimezie said.
He continued that the players also exhibit determination, commitment and fighting spirit, adding that any team that is committed would surely go far in any tournament.
Imama Amapakabo, the Chief Coach of Sharks FC, shared the same view with Chimezie, but added that the Falconets should take the semi-final game seriously because the team they are going to play (Colombia) is also a strong team.
Amapakabo warned that the Falconets should not be carried away or be over- welmed because they defeated the defending champions, USA.
“I am particularly happy that Falconets beat USA, that is my dream and prayers, but the players should concentrate on the semi-final match. They should not under-rate the Colombians, because they are also a very strong team”, Amapakabo said.
In his contributions, Jim Odede Opiki, the assistant secretary of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Rivers State Council, expressed optimism that the Falconets will lift the trophy.
He advised the players to be positive, because they have reached a stage where Nigerians are praying for them.
Opiki, further advised the Falconets to believe in themselves and not to be in a hurry in the match against Colombians.
“Falconets should understand that they have only one match to the finals, so they should not be over zealous and always listen to their coach’s instructions.
“Individual game and unnecessary show of skills cannot help the team”, he advised.
Tonye Orabere
In a statement released by the league, the competition is scheduled to take place from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, with six clubs set to battle for the league title at the end of the 2025/26 season.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said the choice of Port Harcourt reflects the Rivers State Government’s continued support for women’s football and its successful hosting of the league’s Annual General Assembly last year.
The Super Six tournament will feature the top three teams from Group A and Group B of the regular season competing in a round-robin format, with each club playing five matches over nine days.
Qualified teams for the competition include defending champions Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, Robo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, and debutants Abia Angels.
The NWFL Premiership has produced four different winners in the last five editions, with Rivers Angels winning in 2021, Bayelsa Queens claiming the title in 2022 and 2025, Delta Queens triumphing in 2023, and Edo Queens emerging champions in 2024.
The league also urged participating clubs to comply with all competition regulations and directives ahead of the championship. The Super Six will determine Nigeria’s representative for the WAFU-B qualifiers for a place at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League and ultimately the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Teams are expected to arrive on Friday, June 5, when the draw ceremony and pre-match meeting will also take place. Matchdays are scheduled for June 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, with rest days in between before the tournament concludes with the trophy presentation ceremony.
