You wouldn’t expect a continental champion to come back from lifting the title with the admission that they were a bit rusty. But in Asisat Oshoala’s eyes, Nigeria have plenty more in their locker despite hoisting the CAF Africa Women Cup of Nations in December.

Having had to slog to their third successive title, overcoming penalty shootouts in both the semi-final and final, the three-time CAF African Women’s Player of the Year is anticipating a slicker, more efficient Super Falcons outfit come the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019.

While she’s getting into gear in the best possible way – joining Barcelona on loan from Chinese champions Dalian Quanjian – the national team is being put through its paces in the lead-up too, game time she feels they sorely need.

Having kicked off Canada 2015 with a bang against Sweden, now the race is on to hit their stride in time for Norway on 8 June.

It was a move that stunned a nation and shocked the football world. While many had speculated over John Herdman’s next job after Canada’s women, no-one predicted it would be with the Canucks’ men.

The surprise was not that Herdman had been targeted. Though he had no coaching experience in men’s football, the Englishman boasted a proven track record of impressive achievements with Canada and New Zealand.

Instead, the questions centred on his decision to agree to the switch. Canada’s women are, after all, well established as one of the world’s elite teams, and will be genuine contenders for this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The men’s side, on the other hand, languished 94th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking when he took charge. They had not qualified for the FIFA World Cup™ since 1986 and, in recent decades, hadn’t even come close, having gone over 20 years without making the final stage of Concacaf qualifiers.

Speaking to FIFA.com, Herdman explains his decision, outlines the differences between coaching men and women, and assesses the potential of Alphonso Davies.

Despite being a keen practitioner of judo and a talented track and field athlete, especially with the javelin, Irene Paredes decided her future lay in football.

Today, no one would doubt the wisdom of that decision with the Spaniard now considered among the best defenders in the women’s game.

Paredes, who is one of the current captains of the national team, started all three of Spain’s games in their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup™ at Canada 2015.

“So much has changed,” said the player, who is hoping to help La Roja do even better and consolidate their progress at this year’s edition in France. “I hope the fans really get into it. We’ll be doing everything we can to make sure the results come our way,” she added.