Nigeria: Falcons Defeat Sign of Bad Omen – Mabo

David Ngobua

28 June 2011

Former coach of Super Falcons, Ismaila Mabo has said the team’s loss to France in the opening game of the ongoing FIFA Women World Cup in Germany is a sign of bad omen.

After missing several goal scoring chances, Falcons eventually fell 0-1 to France and that is enough to threaten the team’s chances of progressing out of the group that comprises of the host country, Germany and Canada.

Speaking to Trustsports yesterday, Mabo said the loss must have caused panic in the camp of the team and it would take a lot for them to regain confidence in time for their remaining matches.

He said victory over France would have brighten the team’s chances of qualifying for the next round because the girls would have gained enough confidence to face Germany in their next match and then wait to take on Canada in the final group match.

Mabo said as it is now, Falcons will have to beat both host country Germany and Canada to stand any chance of qualifying for the next round just as he said a draw against France would have been better than the outright defeat.

“I want to say that Falcons defeat is a sign of bad omen. The result portends danger for the team. Now, there is a mountain before the players as they will have to win their two remaining group matches, if they are to progress.

“The unfortunate thing is that it will require so much for them to regain their confidence. Panic must have set in and if care is not taken, they may not win their second match against Germany.

“A draw would have been better for the team because it would have given the girls more confidence to confront the next opponents”, he said.

Mabo said even as the situation appears tricky, Falcons can still wriggle their way through, if they would put their acts together to beat Germany in their next game.

According to him, even if they cannot beat Germany, they must ensure they avoid a second defeat as he said that would confirm their ouster from the World Cup.

He therefore charged the players to show more determination as they prepare to take on Canada on July 5.

“To me, all hope is not lost. Falcons can still make it through if they can win their next match. But if they are handed a second defeat, that would be the end of the road for them.

“Falcons can make it but that result against France is not a good omen”, he repeated.

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