NFF should invest more in female football – Ordega

After a heroic feat at the just concluded 2016 African Women’s Cup of Nation (AWCON) in Cameroon. Super Falcons veteran midfielder, Francisca Ordega, in this interview with Anthony Nlebem, speaks on the state of female football in Africa and the need for the Nigeria Football Federation to invest more in female football. 

How do you feel after the victory against Cameroon?

I feel good. Nigeria has won the cup eight times and I am happy to be among the third time winners of the tournament. I am so excited because it is not everyone including the ex-players that have lifted the trophy three times, but fortunately for me, I am among the very few that have won it three times. Thank God we conquered. Despite the financial challenges and other issues in the camp, we came back victorious.

You got substituted in the final game, what was it like?

From the start of the game, the Lioness played very well and were better than us in defence, attack and midfield. They were playing under pressure, but we were more relaxed. They were desperate to win the game especially playing in front of their fans. After the first half, in the second half, the coach encouraged us to be strong and focused. We came back in the second half and everything went well. As regard the coach substituting me in the second half, it is normal; the coach can bring in any player and take out any player at any time. The decision is best known to the coach, and fortunately, we got a goal after that.

How was it like having a coach like Florence Omagbemi?

She is a very nice coach, cool and sometimes troublesome.  She is good to be with; good working with her and the other three coaching crew. This is the first time three female coaches will take the female senior national team to any tournament. She gave us freedom and was very understanding.

Is female football in Africa improving?

Yes, the game is improving in Africa; every country is trying to step up their game. In the world, football is everything for both female and male team. Like where I play, the Washington Spirit in United States, they start from the college; you cannot play the league until you graduate from the academy. I think Nigeria should emulate the same system. If we do not do well at the world tournament it is due to poor preparation, because we do not start preparation on time. Other countries in Africa have started exploring the system; having academy from 5 years old and above. This will help improve our female football if Nigeria can emulate these counties. Every country is raising their games and not just Nigeria anymore.

What next after this?

Go back to my club, play good football, rest and enjoy myself and have a good break.

What advice will you give the NFF on female football?

I will advise the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to take care of the female football, if they want the best from them at the world level. Now, we are the champions of Africa. If they want to see the best in us, the NFF should organise more quality friendly matches that will help keep the team in good shape.

In other countries in on and off-season, they do play grade A competitions; I think the NFF should do the same for the female team. Playing one tournament in every two years is not enough to keep the team fit. Organising more quality matches with top countries like Sweden and USA will help the team a lot.

How has it been playing in USA?

It’s been a great experience playing at the National Women’s Soccer League. I am the only African in the league and is really tough. I have played in Sweden, but the National Women’s Soccer League is more competitive with quality players.

It is cool playing at the National Women’s Soccer League and I am not thinking of quitting the league now.

Well, when other opportunities come, I will think about it but for now, I am enjoying the National Women’s Soccer League.

Anthony Nlebem

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