Izuchukwu OkosiNigeria’s Super Falcons on Thursday were defeated 2-0 by 2011 winners of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Japan in an international friendly at the Misaki Park stadium, Kobe Japan.
The friendly was the third within a month for the nine-time African champions albeit they have not managed to get a win in five matches thus far.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFormer African champions Nigeria held the Asians to a scoreless first half but suffered a second half blip as Mina Tanaka scored a double within four minutes.
The Japanese struck a fierce shot was assisted by Hikaru Naomoto from a setpiece.
Tanaka then converted a penalty in the 68th minute.
Prime Business Africa’s IZUCHUKWU OKOSI here presents five things observed from the game.
1. Setpiece Defending
The Super Falcons conceded the goals on Thursday via setpieces which highlights the need for the Technical crew to work on defending corners, freekicks and throw-ins.
2. The Beat Falcons
The trio of Rasheedat Ajibade who captained the side, and the duo of Ashleigh Plumptre and Chiamaka Nnadozie (goalkeeper) were excellent in the game despite the defeat.
Plumptre defended stoutly and made clearances when necessary.
3. Falcons Passing
The Falcons struggled to string many passes together without having to lose possession of the ball. The Nigerians could not contain the Japanese women’s side pressing game.
4. Striking Support For Onumonu
The Super Falcons had limited attacking threat at the opposition box as striker Ifeoma Onumonu was left isolated most of the times and was flagged offsides a couple of times.
5. Waldrum’s Substitution
Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum made late substitutions in the game bringing on Super Falconets duo of Esther Onyenezide and Opeyemi Alani.
The decision of the coach to always make late substitutions is wrong and must be rectified. Many Nigerians who saw the game via streaming also condemned the coach’s rigid style.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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