Nigeria’s fight to leave Nantes with at least a point was soiled in the 85th minute following Alexias Putella’s goal.
Soccernet.ng picks five talking points from Nigeria’s 1-nil loss to Spain.
1. Asisat Oshoala is still Nigeria’s best option upfront
The Bay FC striker didn’t have a clear-cut chance against the Spaniards, but she linked up well with the midfielders and wingers, creating chances for Ajibade who failed to convert.
2. Chiamaka Nnadozie is the Super Falcons’ biggest asset at the moment
Despite successive losses for Randy Waldrum’s team, the Paris FC goalkeeper has been head and shoulders above her teammates, replicating her club form for the national team. She’s the only reason the Super Falcons have conceded just two goals in Paris.
3. Randy Waldrum’s approach too defensive.
The Super Falcons have been able to muster just four shots on target in 180 minutes of football, which is not encouraging for a team that aims to secure an Olympic medal.
4. It was always going to be a tough group.
The Super Falcons were drawn into group of C alongside Brazil, Spain and Japan. The group was referred to as the group of death. While Nigeria pulled off the impossible in Australia last year, they’ve have their work cut out in France.
5. Nigeria have a long way to go in competing with footballing household nations.
The displays in the last two games have shown the technical crew have to get back to the drawing board to make the eleven-time African champions become a household name in football. Spain and Brazil have been dominating the female football scene, and the Super Falcons are yet to be on that apex.
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It is a very harse comment to say the least. The Super Falcon did fantastically well. They reminded one of Greece in 2004. The problem of this super falcon team is that they do not have proven goal scorer like katlana of South Africa. If they had a proven goal scorer in their arsenal, they would have made both Brazil and Spain pay dearly and honestly, I am wondering if we did not make a mistake bring Ihezuo to the torment. I would have prefer Mitchell Alozie as a striker since she performs well as a striker in her club.
Talking about Alozie honestly as a defender, I am of the opinion she is our weakest link sharing that assertion with okeke on the other side of the defence. Both right and left back offer little or nothing going forward. I think we would never forget the gift of Ashley fantastic plumtre in hurry. I wondering if we would have conceded the 2 goals we conceded if Ashley was playing honestly, I doubt it.
As much as I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Amaka (Chiamaka), I feel she could have done better for the goal we conceded but take nothing away from her performance on the day - she was absolutely solid and composed.
Talking about composure, how do you describe Ucheibe, Ohale, Demehin and the impeccable, indefatiguable, delectable Deborah "fantastic" Abiodun. The consistency of these four players is joy to the soul. Mixture of youth and old. Fantastic in every sense. Honestly, this team is glorious and consistent even in defeat unlike their "Money miss road" Male counterparts.
My take on Waldrum, is that, he is by far the best Coach the super falcons ever had. He team settle up is just awesome albeit he give too much respect to bigger teams by setting up his team too defensively.
I am wondering why we looking for a coach for the super eagles when we can draft Waldrum to manage the super eagles and I am very sure it would cost us less and he would be glad to do the Job.
Finally, I have always said it that Nigerians are not bothered if you lose. They are only concern about the manner of the loss. Lose but go down fighting. Give your all and leave it all there on the pitch. The girls did all that. I am really proud of them.
super falcons loss gallantly, though they played what l expected from them mass attack and mass defence but we lack a prolific goal scorer.
our defence don't join the attack fully because they don't really have the speed falling back to defence.
inspite of the loss l salute the girls.