The President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji
Ibrahim Musa Gusau, as well as Chairman of the NFF Women’s Football Committee,
Ms Aisha Falode and the General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi will be in the
stands to cheer the Super Falcons in Saturday’s international friendly match
against the Les Bleues of France in Angers
The match comes up inside the 18,000 -capacity Stade
Raymond Kopa – home ground of Ligue 1 side Angers SCO, and which was opened in
1912 and renovated seven years ago.
Madugu and his charges are set to have the official
training session at the match venue on Friday evening, with the Coach robbed of
a defender following injury to Turkey-based dependable centre-back Oluwatosin
Demehin.
Both teams last clashed nearly five-and-half years
ago, when the Super Falcons needed a result to progress to the Round of 16 at
the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals. Hosts France edged the tie by the odd goal,
after 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 the maximum 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 wing-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 the
middle, alongside home-based professionals Adoo Yina and Josephine Mathias.
At the fore, 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 -girl Mercy Omokwo, as well as
Egypt-based Blessing Nkor and France-based Ifeoma Onumonu, also
available.
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