Nigeria’s Super Falcons will look a bit different when they line up to face South Africa on Friday at the MKO Abiola Stadium.
Owing to injuries and administrative issues, a few regulars like Tosin Demehin, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Asisat Oshoala will not play in the first leg.
Randy Waldrum has made major changes to the team that eliminated Cameroon to get to the final qualifying round of the Paris Olympics Women’s football qualifier with reigning African champions South Africa.
It will be a 4-3-3 formation for Nigeria as they hope to get one over on South Africa, who they have not beaten in 90 minutes in their last three meetings.
How the Super Falcons line-up
Paris FC goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie starts in goal as she continues her impressive performances for the Super Falcons.
Chidinma Okeke, who has been out of the team for about two and a half years, makes a return to the team and starts at left-back.
Fans' favorite and Houston Dash star Michelle Alozie will secure the right side of the defense.
There is a change in the center-back positions. Due to Ashleigh Plumptre’s induced absence, Benfica’s defensive midfielder Christy Ucheibe will partner Osinachi Ohale at center-back.
Halimatu Ayinde, who missed the game against Cameroon will sit just ahead of the defense to provide cover while Jennifer Echegini and Deborah Abiodun complete a midfield trio.
Another returnee to the team Chinwendu Ihezuo will start as she is preferred ahead of Babajide Rinsola and Ify Onumonu.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu will flank Ihezuo as Nigeria aim for a place at the Women’s Olympic football event for the first time since their last appearance at Beijing 2008.
High stakes for Super Falcons in Abuja
For the Super Falcons and Banyana Banyana, this qualifier is not just another football game. The two teams are arguably the best on the continent and this one is another to prove superiority.
While South Africa are reigning African champions, Nigeria is ranked as the number one team on the continent according to the FIFA rankings.
For a lot of the Nigerian players, this might be their last shot at participating in an Olympic Games. Having seen off another powerhouse in Cameroon, the Falcons will be primed to complete the job and be at the Olympics.
As a matter of fact, only reserve goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi has been to the Olympics in the present setup.
A trip to Paris will surely be a crown for a lot of the players hence the importance of qualification.
Nigeria rumored lineup
Goalkeeper – Chiamaka Nnadozie
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale, Christy Ucheibe, Michelle Alozie, Chidinma Okeke
Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini
Forwards: Chinwendu Ihezuo, Uchenna Kanu, Rasheedat Ajibade
Nigeria vs. South Africa kicks off at 5 pm WAT at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
It will be live on NFF TV and Afro Sport TV
