The Super Falcons of Nigeria will face the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the final round of the Paris 2024 Olympics qualifying games at the Loftus Versefeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.
Randy Waldrum coached the 11-time WAFCON winners to a 1-nil victory over South Africa at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja and is confident in his team’s ability to see out the tie away from home.
Asisat Oshoala was unable to feature for Nigeria as she arrived at the camp late and was able to participate in just one of the team’s training sessions. Soccernet.ng predicts the Super Falcons’ lineup against Banyana Banyana tomorrow.
Goalkeeper: Barring any injury, Chiamaka Nnadozie should start in goal. Her confidence, goalkeeping reflexes and defensive organization will play a crucial role in tomorrow’s game.
Defenders: The absence of Demehin and Plumptre in the home game paved the way for the entry of Chidinma Okeke, with Benfica’s Christy Ucheibe slotting in at the back to partner Osinachi Ohale in the heart of Nigeria’s defence, with Michelle Alozie playing on the right. The back four put in a decent shift, as they restricted South Africa to just two attempts, and they’ll most likely not be rotated in Pretoria.
Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun’s presence in the defensive midfielder role allows Nigeria to control the game and limit the opposition’s chances and Halimatu Ayinde’s ball-carrying ability will be instrumental in breaking down the opposition’s attack. Jennifer Echegini started in the number ten role last time out, but Toni Payne’s attacking and set-piece expertise will be needed in South Africa, and she gets a nod ahead of Echegini.
Forwards: The front three of Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu and Chiwendu Ihezuo caused all sorts of problems for the South Africans in Abuja, but with Oshoala back to full fitness, her experience will be crucial, thus giving her an edge over the 26-year-old Ihezuo.
The line-up in full: Chiamaka Nnadozie; Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Christy Ucheibe, Chidinma Okeke; Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde; Toni Payne; Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu.
N.B: We want to know your thoughts. Do you have a different lineup in mind? Let us know in the comments.
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Asisat should wait. She is not fired up for Africa football which is very physical. This crucial game is not for so-called fan favorites and the goal margin is very narrow.