By our reporter 13.11.2025
Former Super Falcons striker Patience Avre-Odeli has called on the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission to get the national U-20 Women team adequately prepared for the FIFA U-20 Women World Cup next year.
Avre-Odeli was speaking against the background of the Falconets’ unbeaten run at the recent West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Under-20 Cup in Benin Republic. Avre-Odeli said by winning the WAFU tournament, the Falconets proved that they are ready to compete at the World Cup scheduled to hold in Poland from 5 to 27 September 2026. But they need that extra preparation and motivation to excel at the world stage.
The Falconets will face their Senegal counterparts in the two-leg third round qualifier and according to Avre-Odeli the team needs all the support they can get to job.
“‘ I learnt the next assignment would be against Senegal soon. Let NFF and NSC give the team sufficient moral and financial support. I was disappointed over reports that the Under 17 team got meaningless amount of money recently.
“That was not encouraging hence our champions must be properly encouraged. I also pray that the NFF stop owing players and coaches that brought honour to the country.
“I and some other Super Falcons players were owed by some corrupt NFF officials in the past. We won several titles, but we were not celebrated and compensated. Such unnecessary selfishness and corruption must stop.”
Avre-Odeli said she was glad the team gave a special reason to celebrate on Wednesday.
“Clearly the Falconets did the nation proud by emerging champions in grand style. Dethroning our archrivals Ghana is no mean feat. Wednesday was my birthday, and my busy schedule didn’t prevent me from following game against Ghana in Benin Republic.
“The 3-0 win spiced my birthday celebration. I’m happy that the young girls kept tradition of my time in Super Falcons alive. Winning four games and scoring several goals was fantastic,” said the ex Ufuoma Babes FC of Warri and Princess Jegede Queens of Lagos striker.