Nigeria’s Super Falcons will look for their first victory in six years over South Africa when the two teams meet at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja today, Friday, 5 April 2024, Soccernet.ng reports.
Both teams face each other twice in four days to determine who represents Africa at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games later in the year.
South Africa are the reigning African champions after claiming the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco in 2022.
Having gotten the better of Nigeria in three of their four most recent encounters, the Banyana Banyana are confident of defeating the Super Falcons on Friday.
However, there are three reasons why the Super Falcons are better placed to record a big first-leg win in Abuja ahead of the return fixture in Pretoria.
The Super Falcons are a talented group
The Nigerian women’s national team has incredible talent in every department, from goalkeeping to the attack.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been exceptional for Paris FC in France and Europe, and at only 23 years old, she has the time to develop into one of the finest shotstoppers to ever come out of the African continent.
Tosin Demehin, Abiodun Deborah, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, and Gift Monday are all 23 or under and are already key members of the team.
The team is also blessed with quality, experienced heads in Asisat Oshoala, Osinachi Ohale, Toni Payne, Ifeoma Onumonu, and Tochukwu Oluehi – who is the only one to have participated in the Olympic Games with the Super Falcons in 2008.
There is a near-perfect blend of quality young and experienced stars in the Super Falcons that coach Randy Waldrum tagged as a ‘generational’ bunch.
“I do think this is a generation of young that have come through the program; they are a special group. I mean that in a positive way,” Waldrum said.
“We have some good young players coming up who will do great things in the future. We have some good young players for this game. In addition, we have quality, experienced players. And I think it’s just a very strong side. The more time we spend together, the more we’ll continue to improve.
“That’s my belief about the team and the trust I have in each of the players. That’s not to put any pressure on them at all but to show that, as a coach, I’m confident in their abilities. And I think they know that.”
The Falcons will be too much to handle for the Banyana Banyana.
The Super Falcons are built to overcome challenges
The nine-time African champions have faced several difficulties ahead of this clash.
Psychology, the Super Falcons have been hit hard by the South Africans. The Banyana Banyana arrived in Nigeria a day before the Super Falcons camp opened, pitting the fans against the national team.
Injuries have also taken their toll, with key defenders Ashleigh Plumptre and Tosin Demehin ruled out.
Star forward Asisat Oshoala only arrived at camp on Thursday and may likely not start against South Africa.
However, the Super Falcons appear not to be fazed by the imperfect preparation, late arrivals to camp, and injuries to key players.
“We are as ready as we can be,” Waldrum said as monitored by Soccernet.ng.
“Every coach in every situation would always like things to be done a little differently.
“As coaches, we always worry about the preparation as it is not perfect. But I think for us, our players are in a really good place. They are in a very good place mentally.
“And even though we have a few late arrivals to camp, which has been well documented, we have a couple of key injuries, but I think the players that we have are ready to step up and show their worth for being selected to this team, show they can really do a good job as well.
“We as staff are confident in the players that are ready to play.
“On the day, there are no excuses one way or the other. We have what we have, and they have what they have. It is which team shows up the most prepared to get a good result.”
Waldrum added, “Not only Ashleigh Plumptre but Demehin Tosin also is out due to injury. That’s one of our great, young, and upcoming defenders as well.
“So losing those two is difficult, obviously, but as I said in the previous sessions that we believe in the players we called in to play in their place. I think you will see they will do a good job. Yes, I have all the confidence in the players that we have.”
With a mindset of not offering or accepting excuses, the Super Falcons will give their all against the South Africans.
Past results will have no bearing on Friday’s game
Super Falcons have lost their last two encounters with South Africa.
The Banyana Banyana secured a memorable 4-2 win over Nigeria in the final of the Aisha Buhari Cup in 2021.
The champions defeated the Falcons again in the group stage of the 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations
However, Nigeria’s squad has changed significantly since those two losses, with coach Waldrum integrating new faces like former Liverpool ace Rinsola Babajide, Deborah Abiodun, Esther Okoronkwo, Jennifer Echegini, and Chidinma Okeke.
The squad improvement could put the Super Falcons a level or two above the South Africans, and that is all Nigeria need to overcome the visitors.
“I certainly understand the importance of the match,” Waldrum continued.
“We don’t really look back at what’s happened the last two matches or really the last ten matches with our opposition because what we’ve worked with our players is to be present now with what we have.
“If you look back at those two matches, if you look at our roster, it was a completely different roster than we’ve had since the World Cup, so I don’t think you can put a lot of weight into that.
“Having said that, we certainly respect South Africa; we know what they bring, we know the talent they possess, and we know they are a great side, but we feel very strongly that we are the team to beat.
“We feel very confident going into the match, and at this point, we are just excited about tomorrow.”
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are aiming to qualify for the Olympics for the first time since 2008 and must overcome the Banyana Banyana to secure a first-leg advantage.
