Olympics: Ike Shorunmu charges Falcons on focus, resilience

Former Super Eagle’s goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, has charged the Super Falcons of Nigeria to be focused and resilient to survive in their group in the 2024 Olympic games in Paris.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are in Group C, which has been dubbed the “Group of Death” due to its formidable lineup of opponents.

The group included World and UEFA Nations League champions Spain, Asian powerhouse Japan, and the renowned Samba Queens of Brazil.

Shorunmu, in an interview with the newsmen in Lagos, also tasked the technical crew to be careful in their selection of players.

He urged them to beware of aged players to ensure brilliant performances at the games.

“I urge the Falcons to be strong, focused, and resilient in their game at the group stage because the team belongs to the group of world football champions.

“At the same time, it is a necessity for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the technical crew to involve seasoned players.

”Beware of aged players for better performance by the team at the group stage,” he said.

According to him, selection is one of the most vital decisions in any game, as effective team selections will help ensure brilliant performance on the field of play.

The former Eagle’s goalkeeper also added that the team needed experienced players with numerous exposures to survive in their group of football giants.

NAN reports that the Super Falcons secured their qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris by edging out fierce rivals South Africa in a tense encounter.

In spite of their goalless draw in Pretoria, Nigeria’s 1-0 aggregate victory marked their return to the Olympic stage after a 16-year absence.

The tournament includes 12 and 16 nations competing in the women’s and men’s football competitions, respectively.

It will begin on July 24 and end at the Parc des Princes on Aug. 10, 2024.