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Nigeria can rule the soccer world, insists coach Uche

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-07-02 07:57

FRANKFURT - Despite her side exiting the women's World Cup after suffering its second defeat, Nigeria coach Eucharia Uche insists her Super Eagles can one day rule the world on soccer's global stage.

Having lost its opening game to France, Nigeria was beaten 1-0 on Thursday by Germany, who will join France in the quarterfinals from Group A, but the host and defending champion spluttered to victory.

Midfielder Simone Laudehr scored the crucial second-half goal and Germany will now take on the French in both teams' final group game in Moenchengladbach next Tuesday to decide who will finish top of the group.

Nigeria will head home after its final match against Canada in Dresden the same day as both teams have two defeats, but Uche says her players will leave with their heads high.

"I am convinced that with a little input we can rule the world," said Uche, who has sparked controversy with her anti-homosexual comments.

"We have come here and learned a lot. We are no longer in contention, but we are still playing for prestige and pride and we will go home and perfect our act for the next tournament.

"This time around, the tactical and technical improvements are there, the players are more determined and no longer see the European players as invincible.

"Don't forget this is the same team which came here last November and conceded eight goals.

"So I think we are getting close, the story has remained the same over the years, but I am convinced we are very close this time around."

In a bruising encounter, Nigeria made life hard for the Germans and coach Silvia Neid was annoyed by South Korean referee Cha Sung-mi's leniency as the Africans went unpunished despite several rough tackles.

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 07/02/2011 page16)