Hopeful Dennerby, Falcons return to training ahead Round 16

Harry Awurumibe , Live in France

After observing a one day break, the Super Falcons this morning returned to serious  training to prepare for the Round of 16 showdown with any eventual opponent this weekend.

Head Coach, Thomas Dennerby had given the players a day off yesterday to recover from the crunchy duel against France Les Bleues on Monday at Roazhon Park in Rennes.

Falcons lost the last Group A match by Wendie Renard’s 73rd controversial penalty goal and the Nigerians felt hard done by the final result of the hard fought battle.

The team however returned to Stade Edmond Blanchet in Bedee this morning. On arrival at the training pitch today, the players and officials performed their usual ritual of praying before start of training.

Dennerby who leads in every training session spoke to the players collectively and urged them brace up for the challenges ahead. He encouraged the players to put the outcome of the last match. All the players except Faith Michael took part in the two hours training.

Meanwhile, the Sweden-born tactician has expressed his hope that his team will eventually qualify for the next round of the competition hence he has demanded seriousness from every member of the squad in order to be ready for the next match.

“I am very optimistic that my team (Super Falcons) will qualify for the Round of 16. I believe the results from other groups will be on our (Nigeria’s) favour. I foresee the match between Scotland and Argentina to end in a draw likewise tomorrow’s match between Cameroon and New Zealand. I believe we deserve to still be in the competition because we have worked hard”, Dennerby posited..