Coach Rolandson Odeh unsure of Falcons' chances in Bata

The Restoration Ladies trainer is worried about the Falcons' Rio 2016 Olympics qualification chances in Equatorial Guinea and has urged the team to give it their best shot

Head coach of the Bayelsa Queens, Rolandson Odeh is unsure if the country's senior women national team will see off Equatorial Guinea in Bata on Sunday.

The Super Falcons face the Nzalang Nacional in the second round, second leg of the 2016 Olympics women football games qualifier. In Abuja, the first leg ended 1-1 which was acting coach Christopher Musa Danjuma's first competitive game in charge, a result that put Nigeria's qualification hopes on the knife edge.

"I think with the right mentality, quality tactical and technical approach we can advance in Equatorial Guinea. I'm sure the players are full aware of the situation they found themselves and will certainly give the best to ensure Nigeria's flag is fly hoisted in Rio de Janerio," Odeh told Goal.

"It will be very dicey for us (Nigeria). If we could not get the result here, how possible can we achieve it in Bata though nothing is over yet, no matter how difficult it will be. We have what it takes to get result.

"We cannot afford to miss the Olympics for the second time. Our pedigree as African best in the last seven years is been put to test again. The coaches, players must rise up to the occasion and redeem their own image as giant of African women football," he stressed.

"I expected the coach Danjuma to have stuck with the World Cup squad. Despite we crashed out, I still think we had a good outing. I advised the coach to adopt the squad of his predecessor (Edwin Okon), but was surprised when I saw the starting lineup of the first leg on social media.

"Immediately, I had fears we may struggle to feat our regular fire-power against the Guineans. Not to forget, we have always had it tough against Equatorial Guinea.

“And in this situation, going to Bata, the Guineans are tactically strong and could use home advantage against us. I was part of the team in 2008 and remembered vividly how they gave us problems.”

The former Jigawa Golden Stars trainer slammed claims that the Super Falcons lost due to the low-spirit from its spokesperson's death, insisting her exit should have inspired them to win on her behalf while questioning the tactical decisions of coach Danjuma.

"I'm surprised the coach blamed the draw in the low spirit from the media officer's death. That's nonsense. On a good day, they should have played well and win for her. Her spirit would have been pleased if it was in the stadium that day," he continued.

"I expected if he was going to change the team set-up to do that after the Olympic qualifiers. Even if he was scared of sabotage, he is still an acting coach holding brief until the NFF appoints a substantive coach.

“He should have psyched the players to play and win for country. They all need the winning bonuses just as he need to qualify the country too.
"As a coach and a Nigerian, I will be happy if our flag is hoisted in Rio. I will advise the team to be focused, brave and ready for the worse in Bata. I know we can advance, if we are fully prepared," he concluded.

The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon denied the Super Falcons a spot at the last international football games held in London in 2012.