Falconets’ coach, Egan Ndem Adat will not want to bother about their exciting opponents in Thursday’s FIFA U-20 Women World Cup as he prepares his players for the crucial match at the Schuco Arena in Bielefeld.The former Calabar Rovers captain told africansportsdigest.com in an exclusive chat that he has instructed the players to put the victory against the USA behind while focusing on the semi-final describing the Colombians as a determined side with enterprising players.
“We’re looking for the big pie now after making history with the Semi-Finals’ qualification. It would be great to break the record we’ve created and move onto the final where the trophy which is the tournament’s highest prize will be in view,” Egan enthused.
The coach added that Augsburg was a good place for them and they are eager to settle down in Bielefeld to work for the next victory come Thursday: “We’re comfortable with the venues here, and the support from the crowd has been overwhelming, my girls just like it. No one will stop us from playing our normal game. I just want the players to concentrate.”
Egan explained that when he went down on his knees with both hands lifted towards heavens was his own simple way of celebrating Helen Ukaonu’s superlative equalizing goal against the USA.
Said he: “It was a supplication to God for giving us that goal, because the girls tried so hard to score in the match. They missed many scoring chances. I was happy even overwhelmed as the goal came at the right time. Beating not only the defending champions, but the most successful team in the history of the competition was a no mean feat.
“To be in the steering wheel when such a feat is accomplished calls for that type of celebration. I just went down on my knees to praise God for the goal which ushered in the winning.”
The Nigerian coach is not surprised with the calm display of the Colombians being a South American team, he however envies the new comers for unsettling on doubting thomases and moving on to the semis in style.
“The Colombians are a good side. They are tactically disciplined and have managed to keep their rhythm for the entire 90 minutes in previous games in this competition, this is what we’ll be battling against, he said.