We are not under pressure - Okon
by Humphrey Njoku 19 August 2012, 03:27
Falconets' coach, Edwin Okon has declared that his wards are not under any pressure as they kick off their Fifa Under20 Women's World Cup campaign against Korea Republic.
Nigeria start their campaign on Sunday against the Asian foes after the Group B opener between Brazil and Italy at the Komaba Stadium in Saitama, Japan.
Okon was reacting to questions posed at him by the media during a pre-match chat after Friday's evening training.
"Having reached the final at the last edition should not put us under pressure. My players are very calm and focused for the game," he said.
He told the media that he was in Japan to lift the trophy.
"That is why l am here," he added.
This will be the first meeting for both sides since the inception of the tournament in 2002.
Interestingly both teams will be parading players that played against each other at the 2010 Fifa Under17 Women's World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago.
Players like Ngozi Okobi, Francesca Ordega, Winifred Eyebhoria, Ugo Njoku and Damilola Akano are familiar with the Korean side who knocked them out in the quarterfinals.
"This is a revenge mission," declared Ordega.
Fifa has appointed Guyana referee, Ferreira James-Dianne for the encounter scheduled for 6pm Japan time (10am Nigeria time).
Falconets will be in an all green attire while Korea will be on red jersey on blue shorts and red socks.
