Head coach Randy Waldrum has named Asisat Oshoala in Nigeria’s starting lineup for the crucial matchday two clash with Spain tonight, Soccernet.ng reports.
Oshoala was left on the bench for the Super Falcons’ first match against Brazil, with Gabi Nunes’ first-half strike handing the South Americans a slim 1-0 win.
Mexico-based Chinwendu Ihezuo was the preferred centre-forward for Nigeria against the Brazilians but she has been dropped to the bench as Oshoala secured Waldrum’s nod to start.
Jennifer Echegini, who also delivered an underwhelming performance on Thursday, has also been given a spot on the substitute bench with Esther Okoronkwo taking her place on the pitch.
Oshoala and Okoronkwo are the only new faces in the first eleven with the other nine retaining their spots for the Falcons.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is between the posts, right behind the back four of Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, and Chidinma Okeke.
The duo of Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe have been tasked with marshalling the space in front of the defence in midfield.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Toni Payne will look to provide the creativity and supply the key passes into the final third for Oshoala and Okoronkwo to feed on.
Nigeria have gone twenty years without a victory at the Olympics, with the Super Falcons’ only victory at the tournament coming against Japan in 2004.
This is the first time Nigeria’s senior women’s national team will meet Spain at the international level.
The Spaniards are the reigning world champions and the UEFA Nations League holders.
La Roja defeated Japan 2-1 on matchday one and are heavy favourites to claim a second consecutive victory tonight in what is their maiden appearance at the Olympic Games.
