Explaining the Federation’s efforts in helping the team to prepare for the competition, Sanusi said: “The Federation is working assiduously to see that we organise at least one or two friendly matches before they leave. We also know that most of the good teams that we also want them to play with are also in this competition and that is why Mali pulled out. Most of them will not like to play friendlies because they have very competitive games by next week.
“Since Mali pulled out, we have been seriously talking to countries like Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and even Cameroun to see if one of them could come here or if they want us to go there. But I can assure Nigerians that the NFF is not sleeping. We’ll make sure that we give them quality preparations before their departure. And when they get to Canada also, they have three quality friendly matches to play before the commencement of the competition.”
Sanusi, who said the girls playing friendlies in Canada would not hamper them, explained, “One needs to understand that it is technical because if Mali had not pulled out, it would have been part of the preparation. We never knew that Mali was going to pull out. It was when they pulled out that we swung into action to see our next line of action so that is what I want Nigerians to understand. On their departure date, they will be leaving on May 19 by the grace of God. The final list of the girls will be sent before the end of next week.”
Nigeria will meet United States, Australia and Sweden in this year’s Women’s World Cup.
