Some people keep asking if we should ‘celebrate’ Super Falcons’ 2-1 loss to USA and they are saying we are nine-time African champions
Here is my take:
No matter how long Celtic have won the Scottish league, they are no match for Real Madrid. The US Women’s national team are the best in the world. They have the best players in the world and everything a team needs
They played in front of their fans in packed stadium, yet the Falcons stood strong
The Falcons were without regular starters in midfield and attack and started two new players in defense. Tosin Demehin and Rofiat Imuran came from the Falconets and they had a brilliant game and would rank among the best 5 Falcons on the pitch. Both players stood against world champions
The US team is ranked number one in the world. Where is Falcons ranked? Not even in top 40
USA are the current World Champions and have won the world cup five times. So, losing 2-1 to them in a game in Washington is a big plus. A team that has Alex Morgan, Lindsay Horan, Rose Lavel, Megan Rapinoe and other stars. The US team have been together for ages
There are positives to pick from the game. Probably those who did not see the game would keep asking if this should be celebrated. For a time in the game, Falcons dominated and pegged the Americans back and could have score more goals if they were decisive. The team’s shape and sharpness improved
For the first time in a while, the American bench were restless as the Falcons battled with them. It is a plus for the team.
With the way they played, if they had their regular players like Ayinde and Okobi in midfield, the US would have been in for what could be a shocker
Soon, the girls from the U20 will be integrated into the team and they will give the team options. It is good to see their progression to the main team
Granted, there is much work to be done. Yet, that performance against USA should not be taken for granted