Nigeria have dropped four players from a final squad for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, which begins this weekend in Japan.
Goalkeeper Bidemi Aluko, midfielders Prudent Ugo and Ugochi Okafor as well as forward Chisom Henry failed to make the 21-woman list announced by the team’s coaches after their final training in Namhae, Korea.
The gathering was an emotional one that nearly moved everyone to tears.
However, the coaches summoned the courage to offer words of encouragement to the affected players.
“I want to use myself as an example. I was dropped for the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup to USA but look at me today l am going to the World Cup as a goalkeeper trainer. So, please do not think it is the end of the road,” said Taiwo Ajobiewe-Asikogu.
Assistant coach Florence Omagbemi added: “Well this is not the time to say how many World Cups l have been to but to say that as a player you must always develop the right spirit at all times.”
“I know this is a very hard decision to take. I want to however appeal to you all that even though you won’t be in Japan please always put the team in prayers,” concluded head coach Edwin Okon.
The team are due to leave Korea for Japan Wednesday, while the axed players will head to Nigeria on the same day.
The Falconets World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers: Whyte Ebubeleye, Chioma Nwankwo, Damilola Akano
Defenders: Josephine Chukwunonye Gloria Ofoegbu, Blessing Edoho, Ugo Njoku, Fausilat Adeyemo, Jennifer Osawaru, Chidinma Okoro
Midfielders: Ngozi Okobi,Ceceila Nku, Osas Igbinovia, Asisat Oshoala
Forwards: Esther Sunday,Desire Oparanozie Francisca Ordega, Winifred Eyovbioria, Abosede Olukayode, Ebere Orji, Charity Adule