Super Falcons: From Mission X to Mission Next

By Dr. Femi Eperokun

This is a shout out of congratulations to our Super, Duper Falcons! African Champions!

Let’s focus on the following areas, Super Falcons can lay the foundation for success and make significant strides towards becoming world champions in the next couple of years.

For the Super Falcons to progress from African champions to world champions in the next couple of years, several key areas need attention.

Here’s a roadmap to help them achieve this ambitious goal:

Short-Term Goals

●Immediate rewards: This has been exemplified by the reception style of President Bola Tinubu.

●Fully employ and engage Coach Justine Pwanidi Madugu as the permanent coach of the Super Falcons.

●Improved performance in international friendlies is important. Regularly participating in high-profile friendlies against top-ranked teams will help the team gain valuable experience and exposure. This will also allow the coach to fine-tune the team’s strategy and player selection.

●The team needs upgraded training for the coaching staff.

●Build on their recent Experience: The Super Falcons’ participation in the WAFCON was a great opportunity to test their skills against the best teams in Africa.

●They can now face tough opponents like England, Brazil, and Spain, as African Champions. These experiences will be invaluable in shaping their approach to future competitions.

●They can play exhibition matches against even male teams like the Super Eagles for promotional purposes for women’s football cause. This is how they started training way back in 1991 that birth the first female professional league in the world. This is to enable the private section to interplay as par sponsorship contracts and more.

Tactical Enhancements

●Develop a stronger defence:

The team’s defensive strategy needs to be solidified to minimize conceded goals. Players need to work on their communication and coordination to build a formidable defence line.

●Enhance Attacking Options:

Based on Nigeria’s talent base, the team managers need to develop a more dynamic attacking strategy that leverages each player’s strengths.

Long-Term Development

Invest in grassroots football: Developing a robust grassroots programme will ensure a steady supply of talented young players. This includes investing in football infrastructure, training facilities, and coaching programmes.

●Player Development:

Providing opportunities for players to participate in top-level leagues and tournaments abroad will help them gain exposure and experience.

●Coaching and Support Staff:

It is important to ensure the coaching and support staff are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques will be crucial in helping the team progress.

Infrastructure and Resources

●Better Training Facilities:

Access to modern training facilities and techniques will enable the team to train effectively and improve their performance.

●Sports Science Support: Integrating sports science and medicine into the team’s training program will help optimize player performance and reduce injuries.

Mental Preparation

Mental Toughness Training:

Developing mental toughness and resilience will be essential in high-pressure situations. Working with sports psychologists can help players develop the mental skills needed to perform under pressure.

●Team Building:

Fostering a strong team culture and camaraderie will be vital in building a cohesive unit that can work together towards a common goal, giving them the desired X factor.

●Building resilience: This is an essential property to succeed when the chips are down.

●Exhibition Tours: This should encourage our youth to participate in female football.

If all these boxes are well ticked, world dominance in women’s football is the NEXT MISSION!

●Femi Eperokun, a former amateur footballer, is a medical doctor and a big fan good football played anywhere.