FC Robo Queens owner and head coach Emmanuel Osahon has urged Nigerians not to blame Falconets coach Moses Aduku for the team’s difficult start at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, revealing that injuries and visa problems disrupted Nigeria’s preparations shortly before the competition.
Osahon, also known as Osahon Emmanuel Orobosa, appealed in an exclusive interview with Sports247 while reacting to the Falconets’ goalless draw against China and assessing their chances of progressing from the group.
Nigeria went into the China encounter under pressure following their 2-0 opening defeat to Spain. Although the Falconets could not secure the victory they wanted, Osahon said he saw considerable improvement from their first match and believes the team deserves support rather than condemnation.
“I will not blame the coach because if you know what the coach is going through, you will understand,” Osahon told Sports247.
According to the experienced women’s football administrator, Aduku’s preparations were dealt a major blow shortly before the tournament when four players suffered injuries, while another two players were denied visas.
“Just some days to the competition, four players got injured, and two players were denied visas. So, don’t blame him or the team.”
Osahon believes those setbacks should be considered when assessing Nigeria’s performances, particularly as the coaching crew had to deal with unexpected changes close to the start of a major international competition.
Despite the challenges, the FC Robo boss was encouraged by what he saw against China.
“I could see the improvement in their game against China, and I know they will go all out in their last game.”
The Falconets showed greater resilience against the Chinese after their opening defeat, creating opportunities while keeping a clean sheet to collect their first point of the tournament.
Nigeria even appeared to have earned a second-half penalty before the decision was overturned following a VAR review.
Osahon stressed that expectations must also reflect the changing landscape of international women’s football, where countries previously considered outsiders are investing heavily and becoming increasingly competitive.
“Every team is developing now in the world,” he said.
That development, he believes, means Nigeria can no longer approach international competitions expecting straightforward victories simply because of the country’s historical strength in African women’s football.
For the Falconets, attention now turns completely to their final group match against New Caledonia, with Aduku’s players needing a strong result to give themselves the best possible chance of reaching the knockout stage.
Osahon is confident Nigeria will approach the decisive encounter aggressively and believes the improvement against China provides reason for optimism.
Rather than directing criticism at the technical crew and young players, the FC Robo boss wants Nigerians to understand the circumstances surrounding the team and continue supporting them until their World Cup fate is decided.
