France coach Laurent Boandei expects a tough game against Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Saturday at the Raymond Kopa Stadium in Angers.
The 55-year-old believes Nigeria are a strong team with the ability to cause problems for his side as the two teams prepare to clash for the first time since their last meeting at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
Les Bleues won that match at Roazhon Park, Rennes, through a Wendie Renard penalty after Ngozi Ebere committed a foul in the box and was sent off.
Boandei feels this game will be no different from the last one and paid compliments to the Super Falcons' strength.
Boandei: Super Falcons will be tough side to face
“Nigeria were at the Olympics, where Spain only won 1-0 against them, and also at the World Cup, where they lost in the round of 16 against England, 0-0, 2-4 on penalties,” he stated.
“They are a solid team, with powerful and fast players. They play in the biggest European clubs or in the United States. It will be tough.
“It is a tough team block to manoeuvre. We will have to attack them while being vigilant on transitions. We must take advantage of their imbalances, also, on counter-pressing.”
France midfielder Sandie Toletti also shared her thoughts: “I’ve played alongside players in Spain. It will be a fight; they are very physical.”
Nigeria will be without the services of centre-back Tosin Demehin, who has withdrawn from the squad due to injury.
The last time the two teams met in a friendly, France thrashed Nigeria 8-0 at the Marie-Marvingt Stadium in Le Mans, one of the heaviest defeats ever suffered by the Super Falcons.
The match will kick off at 9:30 pm Nigerian time on Saturday, 30 November 2024.
