March 9, 2019
Falcons learned ‘good lessons’ at Cyprus and China tour, Says Dennerby
Nigeria Super Falcons technical adviser Thomas Dennerby says his side learnt good lessons from the tour of Cyprus and China.
Nigeria finished seventh in the 12 teams tournament after losing to Austria and Belgium, followed by victories over Slovakia and Thailand.
“We lost to Austria but we recovered well against Slovakia, and if we had put away the chances we had after scoring our third goal, there would have been no way for them to equalise. A good thing that we won in the end,” Dennerby said post-tournament.
“I am happy that we were able to come here and participate.”
The Super Falcons, also finished third at the four-team China back in January, and the former Sweden women National team Coach believes added there were a lot of take a ways from both pre World Cup tournaments.
“The lessons are good for the team, just like we also learnt a lot at the tournament in China,” Dennerby added.
“We learned a lot of lessons in China and Cyprus that will positively help us do better in France.
“It was a great opportunity for us to know where we are, our biggest strength, where we can be and what we have to fix.”
The Falcons have been drawn in Group A of the World Cup alongside hosts France, Norway and South Korea.
The Nigeria Football Federation has announced the dates for registration and kick-off of 2019 Aiteo Cup Competition.
The NFF revealed that the edition 2019 of Aiteo Cup competition registration and the return of licenses will take place from 13th and ends 26th March 2019.
According to information made available by Nigeria Football Governing Body , states FA Cup is scheduled to hold between 27th March to 26th April 2019 while State FA Cup final is commence from 27th and 28th April.
The letter from the NFF reads in parts: “We present the compliment of the President on behalf of Executive Board, Management and staff of Nigeria Football Federation.
“Kindly be informed that the 2019 Aiteo Cup competition is scheduled as follows;
“Collection/ return of licenses 13th-26th March 2019.
“Commencement of State FA Cup 27th March to April 26th.
“State FA Finals 27th and 28th April 2019.
” National playoff (rookie teams) 2nd and 3rd May 2019.” The statement reads.
However, national playoff for qualified rookie teams begins on 2nd to 3rd May.
Super Eagles Captain John Obi Mikel has opened up about his timewith Chinese outfit Tianjin Teda, describing it as two years of Culture shock.
The former Chelsea midfielder spent 11 years in the English Premier League before moving to Chin, where he spent two years and helped the team to escape relegation last season.
The 2013 AFCON winner however quitter the Club to join up with English Championship side Middlesbrough FC back in January, before advising footballers below 30-year-old to avoid moving to Chinese league.
“When you have been at a club like Chelsea in the Premier League, for 11 years, it was very hard to adapt to how things were done. It isn’t at the elite level, let’s put it that way”. He started
“It was two years of huge culture shock”
“The pitches were poor, stadiums are poor, and medical facilities were not what I was used to. I’m not saying it’s all Chinese clubs, some of them are quite professional, but the one I was at, it wasn’t professional as it should have been. It became tough for me straight away”
“I certainly wouldn’t say to anyone under the age of 30 to go there.They will regret if they do”.
“It is worth doing for a couple of years, if only to learn a differentculture, to give yourself an experience that takes you out of yourcomfort zone but do not be tempted by the money if you are young.Do your research, check what sort of club you are going to overthere”.
“You should wait until you are approaching the end of your career.The money makes the move tempting, we’re only human, but do notbe tempted by the size of the cheque if you are in the prime of yourcareer, it’s not worth it”.
The former Lyn Oslo player added that he has no regret playing in China and maintains that he had good time with his teammates.
“I wouldn’t say I regretted it, I had a good time with my team mates, but it was never easy. The standard of football, it’s not even Championship standard. I realized very quickly. It’s a league that wants to grow, they are putting a lot of money in, but it’s a long way behind”.
“As a life experience, I enjoyed it. Professionally, it was tough, but I had some good times. It’s a nice city and the people I met at the club were great. But it was definitely the right time for me to come back and play at a higher level again. I knew I was going to leave, probably after a year”. He concluded.