Soccer
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is set to kick off today, and the tournament curtain-raiser in Group B sees the Super Falcons of Nigeria lock horns against Tunisia at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria are nine-time winners of the WAFCON tournament and have been drawn into the same group alongside Botswana, Tunisia and Algeria.
Justin Magudu’s defeated Ghana and played a goalless draw against Portugal in their friendly preparations ahead of the highly anticipated tournament.
With 12 nations competing for the coveted title and a record $1 million prize pot, expectations are sky-high.
The Super Falcons possess a star-studded team. Ahead of the opening Group B clash against Tunisia, Soccernet.ng predicts Nigeria’s starting eleven.
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GK: Chiamaka Nnadozie
As long as there are no injuries or fitness issues, there are no doubts that the Brighton and Hove Albion Women’s newest recruit will start in goal for Nigeria.
The 24-year-old has been reliable within the sticks for the Super Falcons and showed her goalkeeping theatrics in her side’s goalless draw against Portugal.
Back four: Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, Ashleigh Plumptre
These defenders played together several times under former Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum. Matter of fact, they started all of Nigeria’s four games at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.
The synergy, understanding, and communication between these four, alongside Nnadozie, should guide the Super Falcons defensively against the Tunisian attackers.
Although Plumptre hasn’t played a lot of games in recent times, the bond between her other defenders should get her up to speed in no time.
Midfield pivot: Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe
Deborah Abiodun has been immense since making her debut in 2022. Popularly referred to as the Nigerian “Kante”, her press resistance qualities will help the Super Eagles glide past opposition at the WAFCON 2024 tournament.
On the other side of the midfield is Benfica’s Christy Ucheibe. The 24-year-old is more than comfortable doing the dirty work in midfield to help her team win the ball back, hence making her combination with Abiodun a perfect one.
Wingers: Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini
Echegini scored seven goals and provided four assists in 18 games for Paris Saint-Germain in the just-concluded season.
Her pace and trickery on either the right or left flank will aid Nigeria’s fluidity in attack. Although she plays more from the left side, Ajibade’s presence will mean Echegini plays on the right.
Ajibade, on the other hand, beyond her abilities on the ball, will be crucial to the Super Falcons’ performance as she captains them on the pitch.
Attacking midfielder: Toni Payne
Dictator extraordinaire, the Everton midfielder is an important of the Super Falcons squad.
Her set-piece deliveries, link-up play and energy will help drive the team forward.
Striker: Asisat Oshoala
Her relentless pressing and pace might not be the same as it used to be, but her experience and cutting-edge finishing abilities should see her get the nod in attack.
Full XI;
Chiamaka Nnadozie; Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, Ashleigh Plumptre; Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe; Rasheedat Ajibade, Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini; Asisat Oshoala.
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