Former Super Falcons head coach Edwin Okon has described as World Cup quality the 21-woman squad for the 10th Africa Women's Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Cameroon.
Falcons head coach Florence Omagbemi named 12 foreign-based professionals in the 21-woman team to confront the best in Africa in the biennial football showpiece in neighbouring state Cameroon.
Okon said it will be shocking if the seven-time African champions fail to successfully defend the title they won two years ago in Windhoek, Namibia.
“The squad is almost a World Cup team and the finest and if they can use the right material at the right time they will strike gold in Cameroon.
“Ordinarily, I would say the professionals are too many but I believe the head coach, Omagbemi, knows far better than anyone else the heavy dosage of foreign imports.
“I see the side retain the title they won two years ago in Windhoek, Namibia at the expense of the 2016 AWCON hosts, Cameroon.
“Almost the players listed for the Cameroon championship were the same as the ones that participated in the 2014 edition in Namibia.
“Only three players, Jonathan Alaba, Rita Chikwelu and Osarenoma Igbinovia, missed the 2014 edition but were listed for the 2016 championship.
“It’s almost the same set of players so I want to wish them success in Cameroon.
“The worst that could happen to the side is to come back home at the end of the AWCON without the coveted trophy.
“I went to the 2014 championship in Namibia with only six professionals and ended up winners. Now this set has 12 professionals so we do not expect anything less than the trophy.
“I know that Ghana and Mali will want to ruffle feathers in the group campaign but Falcons will always find their route.
“However, I must warn that Kenya, though newcomers to the AWCON, should not be underrated.
“Any attempt to play to the gallery as established stars may hurt us at the end of the day.
“I remain confident and positive that Falcons will not miss the podium dance at the end of the day,” said the Rivers Angels head coach to supersport.com.
The Cup holders will take on West African foes Mali in their opening game of Group B on Sunday, November 20 at the Stade Municipal de Limbe.
Super Falcons AWCON team:
Ibubeleye Whyte, Gladys Akpa, Faith Ikidi, Rita Chikwelu, Ngozi Ebere, Esther Sunday, Alaba Jonathan, Osarenoma Igbinovia, Ijeoma Obi, Halimatu Ayinde, Ugo Njoku, Uchechi Sunday, Gloria Iroka, Osinachi Ohale, Ngozi Okobi, Onome Ebi, Desire Oparanozie, Francisca Ordega, Asisat Oshoala, Rita Akarekor, Chioma Wogu
source:supersport