Canada 2014: Falconets skipper, Okaeme, talks tough

Super Falconets’ captain, Patience Okaeme, has stated that the team is battle-ready to challenge for the top prize at the ongoing FIFA U 20 Women World Cup in Canada.
Speaking ahead of the competition, the midfielder said: “It’s good to know that Nigeria are one of the strongest teams around in this age group. It gives us confidence and we’re also aware that we have a good side too.
“We also know, though, that we made the last four two years back. This time we want to go further. We want to win the trophy and that means more pressure for the team, whether you like it or not.”
The mere thought of making her World Cup debut causes Okaeme’s face to light up.
She said: “I was part of Nigeria’s U-17 team, but I missed the world finals two years ago (in Azerbaijan) because of injury, so these will be my first.”
Born into a family of football lovers, the 19-year-old Okaeme is well aware of the opportunity now awaiting her.
She said: “I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment to come. I think I’m going to have fun in Canada and I’m going to experience a lot of things here.”
2014 has been a special year so far for the youngster, who has just been appointed team captain.
“I was very excited and nervous when they made me the skipper, though I’ve gradually been getting used to the situation,” she commented, aware that she has to do much more than just pull on an armband before each game.
“A good captain has to know how to motivate their teammates when morale is low. They have to lead the way, be understanding and friendly with everyone and treat every member of the team the same.
“Our preparations for the tournament have been tough because we’re training twice a day,” said the skipper. “That’s what we were doing in Nigeria, and we’ve carried on here. I’m sure it’s going to help us when the competition starts.”
That hard work and dedication could well be a reason why Nigeria are one of the global powers of women’s youth football, a status of which they are rightly proud. “We have never failed to qualify for the U-20 Women’s World Cup,” explained Okaeme, pointing to a record that only Germany, USA and Brazil can match.
The last time the tournament was held, in Japan two years ago, the Super Falconets reached the semi-finals, a run that has set expectations high this time.