The Super Falcons of Nigeria travelled to Addis-Ababa to take on The Lucys of Ethiopia in the CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria came from a goal down to seal a 1-1 draw at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, Addis Ababa, in a bid to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in France, Soccernet.ng reports.
A Uchenna Kanu own goal opened the scoring for Ethiopia just six minutes into the game. Still, Rasheedat Ajibade’s equalizer spared the Falcons’ blushes and gave them hope ahead of the return leg in Abuja next week.
Soccernet.ng rates the performance of the Nigerian players after their outing in Ethiopia.
Chiamaka Nnadozie 7.5/10: Nnadozie was calm, as always in goal. The Paris F.C. goalkeeper showed great command of her area and was reliable when called upon. Aside from conceding the first goal, she had a great game.
Blessing Demehin 7.0/10: Demehin was also solid in the defence. She stood her ground and fought well in her duels, and helped in building up from the back.
Akudo Ogbonna 5/10: Partnered with Blessing Demehin in central defence for the first time, Akudo struggled to remain composed and was shaky a number of times.
Michelle Alozie 7.0/10: Rocked with what looked like a concussion, and playing at left-back, Alozie didn’t have the best game, but she gave her all, running her socks off and covering a lot of ground during the entire ninety.
Nicole Payne 6.5/10: The Paris Saint-Germain defender slotted into right-back for the Super Falcons, and she put in a decent shift, helping out defensively and supporting the wingers when needed by making overlapping runs before she was replaced a few minutes after the hour mark.
Peace Efih 5.5/10: The FC Kiryat Gat midfielder also struggled with composure, losing the ball too many times in the centre of the park, and finding it hard to create anything.
Toni Payne 7.6/10: Payne had a very good game. She always looked dangerous when she was on the attack. Her set plays were also very good, and so was her passing. She sent a ball that could’ve led to a goal to Asisat Oshoala, but the striker scuffed the chance.
Rasheedat Ajibade 8/10: Playing in the number ten role, the captain of the day scored a thunderous volley to level the scores for the girls. She struggled to link up with Oshoala sometimes but had a great game overall.
Gift Monday 6.1/10: Finally given a chance to start after a long time, the 21-year-old Tenerife winger struggled to make an impact, and was replaced on the hour mark.
Uchenna Kanu 5/10: Uchenna Kanu was lacklustre, and didn’t offer much up front. Her own goal also gave the Ethiopians the first goal of the game.
Asisat Oshoala 6.3/10: Asisat Oshoala should have done better with Payne’s cross and Onumonu’s pass later on. On a proper day, she should have had at least a goal and led the Super Falcons to a win, but she just couldn’t finish, missing two clear-cut chances.
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Truth be told, Assisat's best has long been withdrawn even before the world cup, her performance on the field of play for Naija has stopped to inspire confidence in the super falcon, if you will permit me she is the Chukwueze of the super eagles.
We need a coach who can inspire disciple, true patriotism and commitment among the players.
Agba baller has paid her dues and she is playing for Naija with wisdom.
I love her but let her not think there are no objective observers watching the attitudes of the players.She has got big name but less commitment to the nation.