you think that’s a mind game?
Wale Mustapha: You may look at it as a mind game, to me it’s not a mind game. Her words were meant to show respect to the Falcons, that we are a force to be reckoned with in world football. Most countries
embark on special preparation when they want to face us. For Sweden to respect us, it shows that we need to be more prepared for the tournament.
Do you think our girls would be intimidated with the presence of Hope Solo and Aby Wambach when they face USA in Canada?
Wale Mustapha: Names don’t play football again. We are in the era of ”who plays better”. Our midfielders need to neutralize the passes to Wambach and co. Don’t also forget that the combination of Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala can cause any defence line problems at the World Stage. We have what it takes to score against any team at the Mundial.
What is your advice to the Nigeria Football Federation and Coach Edwin Okon?
Wale Mustapha: The Current Board of the NFF should give the girls quality preparation and Grade A international friendlies. Coach Okon should spice up the team with some of our experienced players. He needs to select the best legs. Fine, he won the AWC with the core of Rivers Angels team. We are not saying he is a bias coach as he proved doubters wrong with the title shield in Windhoek. This is the
World Cup and not the AWC, he needs to give other players at home and abroad the chance to prove
themselves.
Football pundits have clamoured for the return of in-form KIF Orebro winger Ogonna Chukwudi back to the Super Falcons fold. Do you think the analysts are right?
Wale Mustapha: Ogonna was able to justify the huge investment by KIF in her talents during the 2014
Sweden Dammallsveskan season. Those that are following the Swedish League are right in their observations. One thing I like about her is that, she is not the type that uses media hype to promote her exploits. She is one of the picks in a League regarded as the best in the world. The goals and assists she
delivered for KIF were electrifying. The yardstick for call up to the national side is form, so Ogonna deserves a crack in the team.
Do you think the form of Rivers Angels’ youngster Asisat Oshoala and Guingamp forward Desire Oparanozie could make the Falcons scale through the ”Group Of Death” ?
Wale Mustapha: (Laughs) ”It’s a Group Of Life”. The two forwards must put the interests of the nation at the back of their minds. In Namibia, they were selfish in front of goal. This is World Cup, it’s not going to be easy. Having them fully fit is a phobia to any side in the world.
We don’t want to put you on the spot, what are your expectation for the Super Falcons at the 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup?
Wale Mustapha: I’m expecting something special from them. Our bus stop is quarter final. If we get to that stage, it will be regarded as an achievement by observers of the game. At the last edition, we won
one match and lost two. This time around, I think Edwin Okon is an ambitious gaffer. If we eventually qualify for the semi final and possibly the final, the whole world will celebrate the feat.
How will you rate the development of women football in Kogi State?
Wale Mustapha: It’s growing rapidly. All thanks to the Kogi State Governor Captain Idris Ichalla Wada for handing the administrative task to sound and brilliant minds. The Chairman of Confluence Queens, Honourable Abdul Adama has been able to restructure and reposition the team. He has been wonderful in the discharge of his duties. He has made the club a model. Top players in the country are looking forward to pitching tent with Confluence Queens. I look forward to the Wada Queens competing with Rivers Angels, Delta Queens and Bayelsa Queens in the nearest future.
