Last time around, team captain Alvin Dah-Zossu faded like a plume of smoke in the tournament proper after impressing like a house on fire in the qualifiers. I wonder: where is Alvin Dah-Zossu these days? Her progressions appears to have hit a snag.
This time around, I am rooting for the duo of Harmony Chidi and Ramota Kareem to take the world by storm with the other gorgeous young ladies not far behind.
Even at this level, Chidi really needs to work on her composure.
This will afford her greater mental clarity to be even more ruthless than she actually is. Many local observers are calling her the next "Asisat Oshoala". These days I don't know if that aspiration is a blessing or a burden.
Yes, if you want to win all individual awards going and carry the badge of a "high profile (rich) juggernaut" then yes you can aspire to be the next Oshoala. But, a throng of Super Falcons fans bemoan how tepid and largely ineffective Oshoala has been in Super Falcons colours well over 5 years now.
She is so frustrating to watch as she appears to struggle with the weight of expectations on her. That said, as a keen observer of our games, I still applaud Oshoala's work ethics, desire, raw pace and efforts.
But, as a credible goal threat, her impact has been largely underwhelming for a player of her stature as she has become very predictable to pick off by opposing defenders. Persistent wastefulness in front of goal is another complaint leveled against her by some fans.
So I wish Chidi Harmony well. Rather than follow the path Oshoala's trajectory has led to, I will encourage Chidi to chart a peculiar path for herself and leave her own trail and unique impact in the sands of football-time.
As for Ramota, she showed glimpses of magic coming off the bench in qualifiers but at times she played to the gallery making it difficult to root for her to start. If she can curb her excesses and apply herself with greater level of focus and professionalism, then we have another star in the making.
This roster from Coach Bankole has an impressive curb appeal. When you see the likes of Harmony, Ramota, Afolabi and Effiong, the squad starts to resemble a golden ticket set for greater heights.
If it is not evident by now, I am eagerly looking forward to the Women's U-20 and U-17 World Cups this year. The girls are shepherded by experienced coaches who have assembled a gallimaufry of gorgeously talented young ladies itching to take the world by storm.
What do I have to say to that? Let the festivities begin!
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