Veteran Nigerian coach, Godwin Izilien has offered what he considers sound advice and secrets of success to current handler of the female youth national team, Chris Danjuma, with a charge that strict adherence to merit in squad selection can help him excel at the upcoming FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in France.
With Danjuma already in Austria with the Falconets, where the team round off their final lap of preparations for France 2018, Izilien, who once handled the cadet boys side, Golden Eaglets and female seniors, Falcons, says bias must never be allowed in technical matters.
The Edo State-born gaffer, who also made his mark handling various clubs in the domestic league, went on to charge Danjuma and his assistants to ensure they select their players for the competition without sentiments.
Izilien also noted that the team’s performance in the championship, which is slated from August 5 to 24, would show the level of women football development in Nigeria.
Though he admitted that current crises in Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may affect the girls’ preparations, Izilien insisted that the coaches must find a way of ensuring that they and the players stayed focused in order to succeed in France.
Izilien described it as a big stage for the Falconets to lunch themselves to stardom, and advised the girls to beat the big teams and show that they also can play the game.
He added: “The Falconets need to be determined and focused to play at the World Cup. I am not expecting much from the girls because of inadequate preparations, but because the championship is for young girls from the grassroots, I believe with the right selection and commitment from the players the team would excel in France.”
