adminand roped in one new face — defender Florence Mapanga.
The gaffer stuck with the team, which played against Mozambique three weeks ago, and has only made one change dropping Rumbidzai Gora and replacing her with the Mufakose Queens defender.
The Under-20 national women’s soccer team booked a place in the second round following a 7-0 aggregate victory against neighbours Mozambique early this month.
And, after the last afternoon session at Barclays Sports Club, assistant coach Sithethelele “Kwinji 15” Sibanda said they were not intimidated about the prospects of facing the African powerhouse and will be seeking a favourable away result.
“Our approach is to get a good result there. We are now in the second round of the qualifiers and we have to expect to play against the best teams and expecting tough matches.
“We would be looking for a scoring draw or a win. We know the profile of Nigerian team but we have told the players not to look at the history of the team or how many times they have played at the World Cup.
“Of course, they have an upper hand but we have a young team that is promising,” said Sibanda.
The team’s protocol officer, Perpetua Gurajena, who went to Lagos as part of the advance party, said the conditions were humid coupled with occasional spells of rain.
She said the match would be played 100km outside the capital Lagos and the team, which is expected to arrive on Wednesday evening, would have to endure a road trip of, at least, one-and-half hours to Abekouta where the match would be staged.
The Nigerian camp is oozing with confidence and media reports from Nigeria said leftback Gloria Ofoegbu, who was appointed the new captain at the weekend, has
promised the Falconets will qualify for the world showcase.
They lost 0-2 to Germany, who were the hosts, in the 2010 edition.
“When the announcement was made on Saturday evening by our head coach, Edwin Okon, l was really surprised because I was never expecting it.
“We all know that as captain much is expected from you and in return I promise not to let my colleagues, officials and, of course, soccer loving Nigerians down,” said Ofoegbu.
She said they were ready for the Zimbabweans.
“Two years ago, it was the silver that we came back home with, but this year, it is going to be the trophy from Japan,” she said.
Players and officials unanimously voted for Ofoegbu and Delta Queens of Asaba midfielder, Ngozi Okobi who will serve as vice-captain, for their maturity and discipline.
Team
Goalkeepers: Portia Mukucha (New Orleans), Edith Timire (Mufakose Queens).
Defenders: Rhoda Jongondi (New Orleans), Eunice Chibanda, Faith Chasi, Florence Mapanga (all Mufakose Queens), Kudzanayi Chiparausha(Aces Youth Academy), Danai Bhobho (Cyclone).
Midfielders: Maggie Moyo (New Orleans), Emmaculate Msipa, Rutendo Madongorere (both Mufakose), Mavis Chirandu (Auckland), Elizabeth Chaparangana (Aces), Nyasha Munemo (Cyclone).
Strikers: Rudo Neshamba (Inline Academy), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos), Nomsa Bizeki (Mufakose Queens), Tafadzwa Tsungura (Aces).
Online Reporter