Acting President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Mike Umeh at the weekend assured Nigerians that the Federation is focused on the plethora of upcoming qualifiers and tournaments at hand and will not permit any distractions.
Mike Umeh
The U-20 Women National Team, nicknamed Falconets, will take part in the 7th FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals starting in Canada on Tuesday, while the U-20 boys have a 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC) final qualifying fixture against Lesotho this month.
There is the Super Eagles’ Head Coach’s matter to be sorted out, with the qualifying race for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations starting early September, and the Super Falcons’ preparations for the 9th African Women Championship (AWC) in Namibia to think about, alongside the responsibility of steering a seamless transition to a new NFF board.
“The programmes and activities at hand and those that are close by, are enormous. But we have everything within focus and we are making adequate arrangements for each of them,” Umeh said in Abuja.
The one –time Team Manager of the Senior National Team disclosed that he is in regular contact with the camp of the U-20 girls in Moncton, Canada and is impressed with reports of improved form of the players.
“I have been in communication with the team’s camp and the Head Coach (Peter Dedevbo) has spoken of his delight at the great form of his players. I am confident we will have a great championship,” said Umeh.
Nigeria finished as runner –up in the 5th FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Germany four years ago and reached the semi finals in Japan in 2012.
“I have arranged to meet with the technical crew of the Flying Eagles this week to know how they are faring in camp ahead of the clash with Lesotho, and we are also on the issue of Mr. Stephen Keshi continuing as Head Coach of Super Eagles.
“I can assure that we are not losing sight of anything. The Executive Committee is focused and we have competent and energetic officers in the Secretariat who are working diligently on all areas.”
