Abuja, Oct 11, 2016 – Head Coach of the U-20 Women National Team, Peter Dedevbo on Sunday extended to 16th October 2016, the deadline handed to overseas based players to report to camp ahead of next month’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Papua New Guinea.
The quartet of Belarus-based Aminat Yakubu, Uchenna Kanu (USA), Valerie Awelewa (Belgium) and Chinwendu Ihezuo (Kazakhstan) failed to beat the October 8 deadline given to them to report to camp.
On why he rescinded his earlier stance, Dedevbo revealed that the players called to plead for an extention period to round up their Champions League matches for their respective clubs.
“The players called me to beg for one –week grace period to play their last Champions League matches, and I obliged them. They have matches on the 13th and 14th respectively. I have made it known to them that October 16 is the final day that I can give them and I hope they would avail themselves of the opportunity to be part of the team for the World Cup.”
Speaking on the high level of drilling the players in camp undergo during training sessions, Dedevbo stated that every department of the team’s preparation would not be left out.
“Every aspect of our training has a focus. During the last training sessions, we have focused more on ball possession and dead ball artistry. After the ball possession, we took them through spot kicks because I wanted to see what they could do with the ball on the spot.
“Most importantly, I wanted to see what the goalkeepers can do to cut off balls from the sides and I am very much impressed with their performances so far. Even Christy Ohiaeriaku, who came in from Europe some days ago is really giving the home – based keepers a run for their money,” Dedevbo said.
