Former Falconets and Bayelsa Queens goalkeeper Omini Oyono is being singled out by some Super Falcons fans as not being ready for her invitation to the senior Women's team for critical Afcon qualifiers against Sao Tome and Principe.
Funnily, that thought came to my mind. Omini Oyono looked very unconvincing at the U-20 World Cup last year. Her catching technique was particularly suspect. She displayed ineffective composure and looked overawed by the occasion.
But, having said all that, she paradoxically actually looks the part to me. In my eyes, she has the build of a gifted goalkeeper. Oyono surely has the talents and will be hoping to improve.
"Honestly, I am not proud of my performance in the world cup in Costa Rica," said Oyono to a Reporter from Punch newspaper. "I feel I should have done better, especially the mistake I made against Canada; it hurts me so much." She added.
The good thing is that she knows she is far from that finished article.
"My dream is to play outside Nigeria and show the world my talents, but first I need to first improve on the areas I am lacking to become a better goalkeeper." Said Oyono.
About following in the footsteps of her former colleagues Deborah Abiodun, Rafiat Omuran and Tosin Demehin into the Super Falcons, Oyono said: "For me, I believe it’s a matter of time and grace, if others can break into the senior national team, I believe I can too."
On one of her key ambitions as a footballer, Oyono concluded: "My biggest ambition is to make money, come back home and build a football academy in my state."