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Nigeria’s coach needs to make some bold decisions going into the final group game of the Women’s World Cup.
A spirited performance by the Super Falcons of Nigeria saw them come back from a goal down to win 3-2 against co-hosts Australia.
The pulsating game at the Brisbane Stadium Australia saw the Matildas take a deserved lead on the brink of half-time after a poor clearance by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie who has been in outstanding form in the tournament so far.
However, the never-say-die Nigerian spirit helped the Super Falcons to a comeback win, leading 3-1 with 11 minutes added after the regulation 90. Australia pulled one back through a header from a corner, but Coach Waldrum’s troop held on for a famous win over the Matildas, ranked 10th in the world.
The Super Falcons' next and last game of the group stage is the encounter against Ireland, who are already eliminated after suffering defeat in their first two games.
Pulse Sports’ Asukwo Oduo highlights 3 key decisions the Nigerian team must make if they are to guarantee a place in the later stage of the competition.
1. Don’t over celebrate
There was widespread jubilations and celebrations across Nigeria and the globe after the Super Falcons shocked Australia in their group B clash.
The Nigerian team must, however, be cautious not to overcelebrate the victory because a lot still has to be done, and the Super Falcons haven’t booked a place in the knockout stages just yet.
Nigeria’s next game is a tricky tie against the Republic of Ireland, and it will be good if Nigeria goes into the tie fully focused, forgetting the feats the side has achieved so far.
Taking it one game at a time and avoid looking at the possible opponents they are likely to face in the round of 16 is advisable, as they haven’t qualified for the second round of the tournament yet.
The Super Falcons should keep their heads down, play to their strength, as they have seen so far, and only then can they give Nigerians more to cheer about.
2. Don’t underestimate the Irish team
So far in this competition, Nigeria has given enough credits to her opponents, sitting back for large spells of matches and playing on the counter.
This has proven to be a masterstroke by coach Randy Waldrum and has already delivered dividends - one win and a draw in a group dubbed the group of death.
It will be an error to change tactics when facing the Republic of Ireland in Nigeria’s last group game as the Irish are no pushovers.
Although the Irish are down and out, they have given a good account of themselves, pushing Australia all the way before narrowly losing out by a lone goal. They also lost 2-1 to Canada in their second game.
Nigeria must be wary of the threat of the Republic of Ireland women and give everything it takes to reach the knockout stage.
3. Bench Asisat Oshoala
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I know many of you are surprised by this and would probably read this point first before others. Yes, Asisat Oshoala should be benched in the game against Ireland.
Although the introduction of the Barcelona striker was a game-changer in the game against Australia, it is not a good enough reason to start her in Nigeria’s last group game.
During the game against Australia, the Super Falcons were under immense pressure and with the game tied at 1-1, Nigeria needed someone to ease the pressure and act as an outlet to silence the opposition defenders from coming out; Oshoala executed this perfectly.
It will be wise to introduce her from the bench again in the next game because she has shown that her reading of the game is superb and she’s the perfect super sub.
Also, she needs more time to recover fully from the injury scare that saw her start on the bench in the last game.
4. Ring the changes with caution
Following Nigeria’s shock win over Australia, the Super Falcons now sit top of group B, and only need to equal or better Australia’s result in their next game to book a place in the second round.
With that in mind, coach Randy Waldrum might be tempted to rest key players and give game-time to fringe members of the squad. However, this can be counterproductive as Ireland are a very strong side.
Ireland are ranked 22nd in FIFA Women’s World ranking, while Nigeria is the lowest-ranked side in group B (40th); Olympic champion Canada are ranked 7th.
Whatever change the coach wants to introduce must be done with caution and the spine of the team in midfield (Ajibade, Ayinde and Payne) and the entire backline should remain unchanged.
Final Thoughts
The Super Falcons, despite their shoddy preparations for the Women’s World Cup have given a good account of themselves so far.
They have managed to come up tops so far in a group where they are the lowest-ranked side - earning one win and a draw in the process.
Coach Randy Waldrum has shown his tactical genuis, especially in how his side played against Olympic champions Canada. His brilliant reading of the game saw him introduce Oshoala when Nigeria needed her the most in the match against Australia- and she more than delivered.
His side has given Nigerians pure delight and something to cheer about in the midst of economic chaos and it will be nice if they can maintain this imperious form.
Go Super Falcons, fly as high as you can. The whole of Africa is banking on you!
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