FC Robo Queens of Lagos head coach and CEO Emmanuel Osahon has called for improved welfare and better motivation of the country’s female footballers.
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He stated as much in reaction to recent poor performances and shaky results from various levels of the Nigerian women’s teams, including losing tohosts Ghana in the African Games final.
Although many observers keep blaming paltry form on poor preparations, Osahon opined that long periods spent in camp do not automatically translate into good performance.
He noted that well established female professional players know how to rise to the occasion, but conceded that it would be possible only when they are well motivated by their officials.
The lanky tactician from Bishop Aggey Memorial Grammar School, Mushin, Lagos then concluded that players who can not motivate themselves and overcome personal challenges should no longer be invited to the national camp.
He reckoned that some players need motivation at their clubs, while some seek it in the national team, but further pointed out that top stars like Asisat Oshoala are always ready to play when called upon.
Osahon posited: “To be in camp matters, in terms of good preparations. But, you could be in camp and you don’t know what to do. This means players should also stay focused when not in camp.
“The likes of Asisat, Alozie, and others, they are aware of the task ahead, and they know what to do. So, within two days, they will recover and then come back to deliver … if they are well motivated.
“All these girls need motivation. Something needs to be pushing them. One thing about Nigerian syndrome, though, at present, is that nothing is pushing them.
Maybe the remuneration is not enough.
“I’m not apportioning blame, but when I watched the African Games final, I noticed that something was wrong.
“As for my club, all my girls will go to the national team and stand out. That should be passing a message to other clubs. They should ask why is it that my players are standing out?
“When we don’t have money, I make them understand if you don’t play well, you can’t feed ten people. So, they need to play well.
That means something has to be at the back of their mind for them to do well for the national team.
“If they notice that the girls in camp feel contented and nothing extra to play for, then don’t invite them anymore. Call hungry ones that will deliver.”
