By Kate Obodo

Former Falcons coach Joseph  Ladipo a.k.a Jossy Lad says the future of female football in  Nigeria may be determined by the performance of the Falconets in Germany, as Nigeria take on host Germany in the final of the U-20 FIFA Women  World Cup today.

The ex-Shooting Stars of Ibadan coach who lauded the team for qualifying for the final of the event, said female football will take a giant leap forward if the Falconets defeat Germany and emerge as the first African team to achieve that feat.

Already, the Nigerian girls have gone into the record books as the first African team to qualify for the final and their victory over Colombia further gave credence to the team’s chances of springing a surprise in today’s final.

Falconets’ performance in Germany has put smiles on the faces of Nigerians after a disastrous World Cup outing by the Super Eagles.  Speaking with Sunday Vanguard Sports, Lad said the girls are determined and focused and he believes getting to the final has already made the team the center of attention.

He however, charged the team to beat Germany, warning them not to underrate their opponent.
“ For the very first time Nigerian girls are playing in the final of the World Cup, it is a good thing and I am happy about it. If they could get to this stage, I am confident that they will defeat Germany”,  he said.

Meanwhile, ex international Friday Ekpo also urged the Falconets to go the extra mile by defeating host Germany to lift the coveted trophy.

“Falconets have proven that nothing is impossible to achieve. They should go all out to finish the work they started and achieve their goal by bringing  the World Cup to Nigeria. I wish them well in today’s match against Germany. Though, it will not be easy but with determination they can achieve it,” Ekpo said.