Following Super Falcons’ remarkable 3-2 win against Australia at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Thursday, here is highlights key talking from the game.
Randy Waldrum displayed his ruthlessness again.
The American showed bravery in his starting line-up by naming captain Onome Ebi on the bench in Super Falcons’ opener against Canada. Instead, he paired young defender, Oluwatosin Demehin with Osinachi Ohale in central defence.
The 66-year-old also started a green horn, Deborah Abiodun in defensive midfield against the Olympic champions.
Against Australia on Thursday, Waldrum was also brave enough to name experienced winger, Francisca Ordega who under-performed against the Canadians among the substitutes. He also stuck with Demehin in central defence.
Toni Payne is ‘madam’ versatile
The Sevilla of Spain star is no doubt a blessing to the team due to her versatility. Payne was deployed at right-back at the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Against Canada last week Friday, head coach, Randy Waldrum pushed her to the right-wing and she was excellent all through the game.
She put up a sublime display in central midfield against Australia at the Lang Park, Brisbane on Thursday afternoon.
Chiamaka Nnadozie proves her class again
The talented goalkeeper kept the Super Falcons in the mix with a number of vital saves early in the game. She was unlucky not to keep out Emily van Egmond’s opener for Australia late in the first half.
The Paris FC goalie has been an ever reliable star for the Super Falcons.
Osinachi Ohale catches the eye
The 31-year-old won the Player of the Match award. The experienced centre-back like in the previous game organised the defence with dexterity.
She made two tackles, four clearances and scored once.
Ifeoma Onumonu struggles again
The Gotham FC forward once again failed to impress in the green and white colour of Nigeria. Onumonu got the nod to lead the Super Falcons attack in place of Asisat Oshoala but was anonymous in the 63 minutes she spent on the pitch.