Two key players will be missing as Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, as well as the Chairman of the NFF Women’s Football Committee, Aisha Falode, and the General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, will be in Angers to watch the Super Falcons take on France in a friendly match on Saturday night.
The match will be played at the 18,000 -capacity Stade Raymond Kopa – home ground of Ligue 1 side Angers.
Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu will be without captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Turkey-based centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin, who sustained an injury after being named in the squad.
Both teams last clashed in 2019, when the Super Falcons needed a result to progress to the round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Hosts France won the encounter 1-0, viw Wendie Renard’s twice-taken penalty kick with 11 minutes left on the clock.
The defeat notwithstanding, the Super Falcons made the Round of 16 as results in another pool weighed in their favour, while France finished top of their group with nine points from three matches.
On Saturday night, Madugu will have to decide which of England-based Rofiat Imuran and home-girl Sikiratu Isah will pair veteran Osinachi Ohale at the heart of the defence, with Michelle Alozie and returning Ashley Plumptre expected to man the full-back positions. Madugu may also decide to use another home-girl, Shukurat Oladipo, in her accustomed centre-back position.
Portugal-based Christy Ucheibe, England-based Toni Payne and France-based Jennifer Echegini (who scored Nigeria’s only goal at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France this summer) are available in midfield, alongside home-based stars Adoo Yina and Josephine Mathias.
In attack, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade also not in Angers as a result of injury, much will be expected of the Spain-based duo of Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide, with home-based Mercy Omokwo, as well as Egypt-based Blessing Nkor and France-based Ifeoma Onumonu, also available.
