TheCable

Super Falcons coach, Edwin Okon, has told other coaches to forget about deciphering his team in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

The Falcons’ style of play have proved unpredictable to soccer analysts as they have combined discipline, conditioning, commitment and yes, prayers, which have been the differences between this Nigeria team and those of past World Cup failures.

With potentially three teams advancing from Group D in the new, expanded 24-team field, Nigeria will be keen to go through.

And a little bit of mystery could go a long way in seeing them through according to Okon.

“Only God can predict how we play,” Okon said in Thursday’s press conference ahead of Friday’s match with Australia.

“When you read us as A, when we play we give you B. You can never understand how we play except of course you are God.

“And in Nigeria, once we add God to anything we do you can’t predict us.”

Nigeria are one of only seven teams to have participated in all seven World Cups, but only once have the Super Falcons got out of the group.

But Okon is looking beyond the group stage despite the team being ranked 33 in the world.

“We know what is at stake and we are looking forward to getting to the final not just going beyond the group stage,” he said.

“With Almighty Father, we will break the jinx. And also, I don’t look at the ranking but how my team performs on the pitch.

“I am not a member of the FIFA technical committee and don’t know the criteria they use in ranking teams. Mine is to focus on my team and result on the pitch.”

And Okon is looking forward to overwhelming support from the fans in Winnipeg.

“Nigeria is at home in Canada so they will support us. Even the USA will support Nigeria,” he said.

Francisca Ordega, who drew Nigeria level against Sweden, hopes to continue where she stopped against the Matildas.

“We are going to make the country proud. We are fully prepared for the match,” she said.

“Hard word and determination is what is helping us. With the calibre of players we have, we know we can do it. The players and officials know we can do it. We are going beyond the group stage.”