Falconets are mentally ready for World Cup challenge

The psychologist has disclosed that the Peter Dedevbo’s ladies are mentally fit to do the country proud in Papua New Guinea

Nigeria Football Federation’s psychologist Robinson Okosun says the U20 women side are mentally ready for their campaign of the Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea.

Okosun believes the mental toughness and confidence level of the team will help them excel after his session with them before they departed for the international showpiece on Sunday.

“I came to work on their mental toughness. Most of the girls are naive, so what I did was to prepare them against perceived psychological problems and how to guide it,” Okosun told media.

“We believe that football is science and apart from the physical training, there is a need for us to at least relax the mind of the players as well as teach them the importance of working as a team. What I have taught them goes beyond football.

“It is imperative for them to maintain their confidence, deal with anxiety and anger while keeping the focus on the goal because it will help them to be a complete individual,” he said.

Peter Dedevbo’s side will arrive the hosts’ nation on Tuesday ahead of their opener against Japan on November 13 at the Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby.

After Japan clash, Nigeria who finished as runners-up at the 2014 edition in Canada will play face Canada and Spain respectively in the group phase of the tournament.