Introduction:
The last time the Super Falcons were in the Olympics, one dollar was 117 naira, a litre of petrol was 65 naira and Deborah Abiodun was 4 years old.
Since then, they have been knocked out at the final and penultimate qualifying rounds by Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and yes, as you can guess - Cameroon.
This is another penultimate round, and another shot at the Olympics and for now, Cameroon stands in the way of the Super Falcons. Will the African queens break this voodoo? Let’s journey together.
The Teams:
The Super Falcons have had an interesting run since their spectacular performance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC). Recording 3 wins out of 4 , with 12 goals scored and two goals conceded is quite the result, especially when you factor in the rotation of the team due to absence of some key players caused by injuries and travel/visa challenges.
It is also a solid run when you compare it to their opponent who have had 2 wins in 4 matches, scored four goals (minus penalties) and conceded three goals during the process.
This won’t take anything away from the quality of the match before us as Nigeria vs Cameroon is always a match ladened with rivalry, and the Indomitable Lionesses are still fresh from the wound of being knocked off an automatic WWC ticket by the Super Falcons in 2022 and might be buoyed for revenge.
Style of Play:
Super Falcons:
The Super Falcons play with a patient tempo, and build up their attack from the defence. They have two centre-backs who are comfortable ball-movers, full-backs who are not scared to contribute to the attack and attackers who can create a moment of magic out of nothing with just a ball over the top into the opponent’s box. The third goal agaisnt Australia which happened with a single pass from Toni Payne to Asisat Oshoala is a good example of how the Super Falcons create their own luck.
Indomitable Lionesses:
The Lionesses are more direct and dominant in their play. They love to disrupt the opponent’s rhythms, while relying on counter-attacking moves after a possession turnover. They have two hard-working midfielders who are always on the move, either nullifying threats from the opponent or making direct passes and through balls into the opponent box.
While Ajara Nchout will be missed, Gabrielle Ougene’s second goal against Thailand last year during the FIFA play-offs is a mirror of how the Cameroonians play.
Key Players:
Super Falcons:
Everyone in the Super Falcons right now is a key member of the team set up. Despite how young the team is (about 75% of the current team members have less than 40 caps), their chemistry and bond over the last few matches make every player pivotal, however, there are some players to watch out for during this double-headed encounter.
- Ashleigh Plumptre: It’s the first time the British-born versatile defender will be making the roster since the WWC ended and she will likely start ahead of Stade de Reims full back, Rofiat Imuran who has been a solid backup in her absence.
Plumptre’s ability to run the left-wing seamlessly without gassing out is an advantage the Super Falcons will be looking to explore. Her ability to link up with the midfielders or whoever is on the Left Wing position makes her deadly, and her speed helps her trackback when needed, providing additional support in the defence.
To understand how immense she is, you would have to watch the Super Falcon’s match against England in the WWC where she gave Lucy Bronze the battle of her life throughout the entire 120 minutes.
Cameroonians will need to keep an eye on the left-wing, especially if Plumptre starts. - Jennifer Onyi Echegini: The Nigerian youngster who made a switch to the Italian giants, Juventus is in the form of her life right now. With a couple brilliant goals under her belt already, including a stunning brace against Inter Milan, Onyi is a threat either as a midfielder or a Left-Winger.
While she might likely start from the bench later today, her dribbling skills, and game-changing abilities is a major advantage for the Nigerian side. - Deborah Abiodun: Every Nigerian has the memory of her sterling display against Canada on her debut match at the WWC, Abiodun has shown the world she is ready for the big stage.
Either the coach plays in a 2-player or 3-player midfield, Abiodun’s stamina, trickery and ball-holding ability will be pivotal to dictating the tempo of the Super Falcon’s game.
The Indomitable Lionesses:
The Absence of Ajara Nchout means that everyone in the team has to step up if they would have any chance against a closely knitted Super Falcons team. Below are a few players Randy Waldrum should be worried about.
- Gabrielle Onguene: Two goals in less than 20 minutes against Thailand during the FIFA qualifying round depicts how threatening Onguene could be on the field. The veteran attacker who has plied her trade, excellently so, with CSK Moscow, is a danger to any defence, and Super Falcons’ centerbacks must be alert to her guile and tricky movements on and off the ball, especially off the ball.
- Jeannette Grace Ngock: A resilient midfielder with requisite physicality, Grace who is currently plying her trade for EA Guingamp in the French league, is a box-to-box midfield maestro with the ability to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm while dictating the tempo for her team. Nigerian midfielders would be weary of her sturdy stamina and moments of brilliance when required.
Where the game will be won:
Midfield:
For Cameroon, they would be looking to rely on the stamina and sturdiness of Jeannete and Menene to nullify the Super Falcons midfield threat, and how they battle to contain the brilliance and unpredictability of Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe will be a great scene to behold.
Flanks:
Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre will be running both flanks and while this might leave some spaces for Cameroon attackers, how effective Nigeria use their width and how exploiting the Indomitable Lionesses’ are with the gaps might be a major determinant of the outcome of today’s match, especially during this first leg.
Setpieces:
The Cameroon are a team good with set-pieces and they have scored two in their last four matches, Nigeria on the other-hands have not made the best use of opportunities from setpieces. Remember the torrent of corners against England in the WWC?
Falcons Potential Starting 11:
Randy has favored a 4–2–3–1 formation that could easily change to a 4–3–3 or 4–3–2–1 transitions with Rasheedat Ajibade and Toni Payne swapping positions when necessary.
This is our predicted starting 11.
Formation: 4–2–3–1
Defence:
Ashleigh Plumptre. Osinachi Ohale. Blessing Demehin. Michelle Alozie.
Midfielders:
Christy Ucheibe. Deborah Abiodun
Attackers: Rasheedat Ajibade. Toni Payne. Uchenna Kanu.
Striker:
Asisat Oshoala
What are your thoughts about the match and would you love to see in the starting line-up? Leave a comment below
