The combination of Faith Ikidi, Ngozi Ebere, Osinachi Ohale, Evelyn Nwabuoku and Onome Ebi powering our defence at the last world cup ended up being a ghastly train wreck.
In just 4 games, they shared 1 red card, 2 penalties, 2 own goals and no less than 7 goals conceded.
Even at that time, 4 years ago, those ladies were already growing long in the tooth football wise as they we well into their 30s even according to their official age.
The only shining star in that defence was the younger, fitter and more agile Chidinma Okeke. I had high hopes for Okeke but sadly she is no longer part of this set up.
I have to thank Waldrum in this area for bedding in younger defenders like Plumptre, Alozie, Imuran and Demehin whilst Payne can also play as a full back if push comes to shove.
I pray this tournament will serve as the swansong for most of our “evergreen” players. They have served us well over the years and we reserve nothing but gratitude and admiration for their efforts.
But there’s a time to call it a day. When the Olympics qualifiers commence in the coming months, it will be helpful to inject fresh faces in various departments. The talents are there at home and abroad.
Hopefully Waldrum will be practical in his player selections for this tournament.