Izuchukwu OkosiThe journey came to a disappointing end for Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Monday as they exited the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after a 4-2 defeat to European champions England on penalties in their round of 16 clash.
The Nigerian team gave a good account of themselves at the Brisbane stadium.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa’s IZUCHUKWU OKOSI here examines the key talking points from that game.
1. The iron saved the Lionesses
The duo of Ashleigh Plumptre and Uchenna Kanu went close to scoring for the Super Falcons but on both occasions, the frame of the post came to the reduce of the English team.
Those were critical moments in the game that could have decided the pendulum of victory.
The Eagles also had other decent chances on the game.
2. Slow start by Demehin continued
Former youth international Joy Demehin is a bright prospect undoubtedly but the young central defender has been starting games for the team of late on sloppy notes.
It is either mistimed tackles or hasty clearances- and worryingly in the early stages of the game.
However, she usually settles into the games nicely.
On Monday, Demehin’s gaffe almost led to an opening goal for England with a poor clearance which Arsenal forward Alex Russo almost pounced on with a low shot that whizzed wide off target.
3. Falcons did not make James’ red card count
Chelsea forward Lauren James stamped her foot on the backside of Michigan-born Nigeria left back, Mitchelle Alozie as the defender frustrated her all day with immaculate piece of defending.
The younger sister of Chelsea men’s right back Reece James who was tipped to win the Golden Ball going by her exploits so far in the tournament (not anymore apparently) was initially handed a yellow card but it was upgraded to a red card after a VAR review.
That could have impacted on the outcome of the game but the nine-time African champions failed to make numerical advantage count when the Lionesses had a player down.
4. Oparanozie Substitution
Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum introduced old warhorse Desire Oparanozie for her first appearance at the World Cup.
Oparanozie is no longer the young striker that bullied defenders some years ago but she is still the same experienced star that fouls bring the x-factor to the Falcons.
Waldrum showed great tactical awareness in his decisions in Nigeria’s World Cup campaign but the Oparanozie substitution could have come some minutes earlier.
The striker does not possess her pace of old but could be the female version of Fulham striker Alexandre Mitrovic who uses the big upper body strength to worry defenders and make spaces for the pacy wingers.
5. Nnadozie will be wanted keeper
FC Paris and Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie until Nigeria’s elimination was arguably a contender for the goalkeeper of the tournament.
Her penalty and follow-up saves against Canada in the team’s first game of the tournament was adjudged by FIFA TV as the best save in a top 10 ranking from the group stage.
Despite the sad exit of the team, Nnadozie whom her coach described as one of the best young keepers in the world is likely to attract suitors from other clubs across Europe for her performances in Australia.
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.
Follow Us