We are better than the men because we win trophies
In the run up to the FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany, Ursula Pichler* speaks with the Nigerian Super Falcons goal keeper after a friendly in Tyrol. With a smile she gazes at the fresh sprouting green grass at the stadium in Schwaz, Tyrol-Austria. It was not always nice to be a woman footballer, says Precious Dede. The Nigerian national team goal keeper had witnessed a different kind of football in her 31 years. I learnt how to play in my early years. She ran after the round leather with her brothers on dusty uneven streets and fields. It was not until after 18 years of age that she got the official go ahead to join the school team. Since then my parents supported me and were very proud of me, Dede recollects. It was an experience not available to other members of the national team when they were her age
The Super Falcons are in Tyrol, western part of Austria to prepare and train towards the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany from the 26th of June to the 17th of July where Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea will be representing Africa. The road leading to this is not an easy one; it was really difficult in the past to excel in women's football.
Many girls and women had to contain the stigma and mockery directed at them and the society did not either recognize them or simply banned them from playing. Main stream education was the priority for many parents for their children. A girl/woman playing football was in the past seen as a useless undertaking by many families and the girls felt this exclusion from participation in football. The picture has now somewhat changed. Precious Dede who studied in Norway is very happy about the positive development of women's football.
Meanwhile we have more followers and supporters at home than the men's team because we are better, wining trophies and are the force to reckon with in Africa, Dede observes with a sarcastic smile. Unfortunately these successes by the Super Falcons could not be asserted internationally. The goal keeper is however optimistic that the Super Falcons will write history this time and does not exclude the possibility of winning the World Cup at Germany 2011. We waited for this opportunity so as to present a better image and capabilities of the team.
At exactly 4 minutes 50 seconds, Dede was reminded of the 10 seconds she had left for the interview. The schedule for the team is tight and interaction with the media is restricted. That is professional football, she excuses herself, whose focus is now on the next three friendly matches in the coming weeks. After that, reality will manifest when on the field in Germany.
I am excited and looking forward to how the 6th FIFA Women's World Cup will unfold for the Super Falcons, she hurriedly concluded before rushing to her team mates.
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*Interview by Ursula Pichler of the Tiroler Tageszeitung in Tyrol, Austria. Ms. Pichler participated in the media and journalist exchange last year with a Ghanaian sport journalist as part of the football for development project.
English translation from German by Bella Bello Bitugu.
