Hello Readers

With the excitement of the League Cup final against Arsenal on 5 March, a potential league decider against Arsenal and The FA Women's Cup semi final on 12th March, it is safe to say Charlton have a huge spell ahead of us.

The win against Bristol on Sunday was pleasing, taking us one step further to retaining our trophy and getting to The FA Cup Final for the 4th year running.

Our draw against either Chelsea or Arsenal is an interesting one. 

With a guaranteed North v South final as a Brummie a part of me is pleased, however as an ‘adopted’ Londoner I could think of nothing better than lifting The Cup again!

After coming back from Cyprus last week with two satisfying draws against Sweden, I am excited about the forthcoming international fixtures against Iceland and the vital World Cup Qualifier against France at Ewood Park.

To remain undefeated since the European Championships, nine months ago is a credit to the team.

One of the positives to come from the European Championships was our ability to compete with the best teams in the world.

Both draws against Sweden further demonstrated that the team’s ability to compete with the best has been sustained, with us having chances to win both games and considerable amounts of possession.

Football fans worldwide must be relishing the next four months, as the men’s World Cup in Germany draws close and the Champions League kicks in.

Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough on Sunday was a surprising result which I am sure will leave Manchester United fans feeling they’re still in contention.

As a Chelsea fan, I still feel as cool as a cucumber, I am not sweating yet! One team I hope will achieve qualification to play in Europe next season is Bolton. Sam Allardyce has done a fantastic job in forming a talented team with an efficiency that is unique in comparison to other premiership teams.

Their draw against Arsenal was well deserved, and a result that demonstrates the consistency of their good performances against top premiership sides. With all their players back from playing in the African Nations Cup, their squad will be back to full strength.

I was closely watching many of the Bolton players in the African Nations Cup, Jay-Jay Okocha of Nigeria in particular. 

While I am criticised for being a ‘glory supporter, with premiership loyalties that change like the weather’, my support for Nigeria is steadfast.

Having Nigerian parents and being born in Nigeria makes my affiliation strong, so I was rooting for the team to win the tournament.

After the disappointment of not reaching the World Cup, it was important that the team performed well. Although Nigeria did not get to the final, it was pleasing to see them win third place, by a youthful Nigerian side that showed great potential and promise.

The penalty shoot out against Tunisia to secure third place could not have been any more nail biting, with the penalties going to sudden death.

Thankfully Nigeria succeeded in securing third place and the talent of Mikel Obi shone throughout the tournament.

The maturity of his play is refreshing considering he is still only 18, which demonstrates why Manchester United and Chelsea are so eager for him to join them. As a result of his performances, the expectation level has increased but he will need to stay focused and not get distracted.

Expectation is a factor Charlton ladies will inevitably have to deal with as a result of our consistency in getting to finals and being in contention for the title, for the last three years.

Hopefully the expectation turns into success rather than disappointment, starting with next week’s big league game against Arsenal. Hit the site to find out the results,

Click here if you have any questions and I will gladly respond.

Catch you soon,

Eniola Aluko