The Nigerian Super Falcons, a force to be reckoned with in women’s football, have a layered history of participation in World Cup tournaments. With a track record of excellence and determination, they have consistently represented Africa on the global stage. As the 2023 Women’s World Cup approached, expectations were high for this formidable team, but the journey to the tournament was fraught with conflicts that threatened to derail their preparations.
In the lead-up to the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the Super Falcons faced internal challenges, with disputes arising between the team, Coach Randy Waldrum, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The tension centred around issues of wages, allowances, and match bonuses, leading to uncertainties that cast shadows over their unity and focus. As they navigated these turbulent waters, the resolve and resilience of the players were put to the test. The looming question was whether they could overcome these obstacles and produce the results at the prestigious tournament.
In the midst of conflicts and doubts, the Super Falcons remained undeterred. They rallied around their collective passion for the sport and the pride of representing their nation. As the Women’s World Cup commenced, the Nigerian team exhibited unwavering determination and a spirit that refused to be broken. Despite facing the Olympic champions, Canada, in their opening match, the Super Falcons demonstrated defensive steel and strategic prowess, securing a hard-fought goalless draw that surprised many.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie emerged as the heart of the Super Falcons’ defensive efforts in their opening match against Canada. The 22-year-old shot-stopper’s exceptional composure and agility were on full display as she put in a player of the match performance.
Despite Olympic champions Canada clearly dominating the game with over two-thirds of possession, Nnadozie stood tall, displaying remarkable composure and agility in the face of relentless attacks. Her defining moment came when she thwarted a penalty taken by veteran Canadian forward, Christine Sinclair, who missed the opportunity to make history as the first person to score at six World Cups.
Nnadozie’s crucial saves were instrumental in frustrating the opposition’s attempts to score, ensuring Nigeria secured a valuable point in a hard-fought 0-0 draw.
In the match against Canada, the Super Falcons displayed a resolute defensive strategy aimed at absorbing pressure and capitalising on counterattacks. While Canada enjoyed over two-thirds of possession, Nigeria’s defence remained steadfast, denying their opponents any opportunity to secure an early victory. The team’s ability to hold their ground against a strong adversary demonstrated their determination to succeed on the world stage. The strategy employed by the Super Falcons was textbook adaptability and ability to execute a defensive game plan effectively.
Nigeria’s star player, Asisat Oshoala, demonstrated moments of excellence during Nigeria’s opener against Canada. As one of the team’s key attacking forces, Oshoala’s talent and impact on the game remained evident, providing hope for Nigeria’s chances in subsequent matches. However, concerns about her fitness raised questions about her ability to maintain peak performance throughout the tournament.
Despite the challenges, Oshoala’s contributions to the team were vital, and her moments of brilliance posed a continuous threat to the Canadian defence. It was not prime Oshoala as Nigerians have come to know her in Barcelona’s colours, but her presence was a constant threat, keeping the Canadian backline in check and on their toes. However, because she was mostly isolated, she was unable to chalk in a goal.
This changed in their thrilling encounter against Australia, where the Super Falcons secured a stunning 3-2 victory, creating history in the process. The team’s unity and determination were on full display as they overcame the co-hosts, leaving the tournament hopes of the Matildas on thin ice. The triumph marked the first-ever victory by any African nation in the current Women’s World Cup edition, further solidifying Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football on the continent. The Super Falcons showcased their ability to rise above the odds and deliver a remarkable performance when it mattered the most.
Facing a home crowd of nearly 50,000 people at Lang Park, Brisbane, the Nigerian ladies knew that a victory would not only secure the possibility of progression to the knockout stages but also etch their names in football history. From the outset, Australia dominated possession and threatened the Nigerian defence with their relentless attacking prowess. The Matildas had 12 shots to three in the first half, controlled possession with a 60-40 advantage, and earned eight corners to Nigeria’s one. The pressure on the Super Falcons was immense, but they remained resolute, with Nnadozie continuing her impressive form between the posts.
As the tension mounted among the home fans, Nigeria seized the advantage with a moment of brilliance. In the 65th minute, Osinachi Ohale displayed remarkable bravery and determination, rising above the Australian defence to head the ball into the net and put Nigeria ahead after Uchenna Kanu had drawn the Super Falcons level just before half-time. Her goal sent shockwaves through the stadium, stunning the Australian supporters and igniting celebrations among the Nigerian contingent. Yet, the Super Falcons knew that their job was not done. The Australian team, driven by the support of their home crowd, continued to press forward, seeking an equaliser. The Nigerian defence, led by Ohale’s steadfast organisation and Nnadozie’s exceptional shot-stopping abilities, stood firm against the relentless waves of attack.
In the 71st minute, the Nigerian side made history once again. Asisat Oshoala, who had emerged as a substitute in the second half, showed her class in the forward areas. The Barcelona forward exploited a mix-up in the Australian defence and raced past goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold to tap the ball into the net, extending Nigeria’s lead to 3-1.
The jubilation among the Super Falcons players was palpable, but they remained focused on protecting their lead. In the dying moments of added time, Alanna Kennedy managed to head home a consolation goal for Australia. Still, it was not enough to halt Nigeria’s march towards history.
The final whistle marked a historic moment for African women’s football, as Nigeria secured a 3-2 victory, becoming the first African side to win a match at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Their triumph against Australia showcased the team’s unwavering determination, tactical acumen, and mental resilience in the face of intense pressure. Beyond the result, the victory held deeper significance for the Super Falcons. It stood as a testament to their ability to rise above internal conflicts and disputes that had threatened to derail their preparations.
The unity and camaraderie within the team shone through, reinforcing the importance of collective spirit in achieving success on the grandest stage of women’s football.
The Super Falcons’ remarkable performance against Australia solidified their position at the top of Group B, ahead of strong contenders like Canada, who had secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against the Republic of Ireland. Looking ahead, Nigeria needs only a draw over the winless Ireland in their final group match to advance to the knockout stage.
As the pride of Africa, the Super Falcons’ historic triumph resonated not only within the county but across the entire continent. Their journey in the 2023 Women’s World Cup continues to inspire hope and aspirations for women’s football in Africa, proving that with unity, resilience, and unwavering determination, African teams can compete at the highest level and leave a lasting impact on the global footballing stage.
SportsLive recalls that leading up to the tournament, the Super Falcons faced conflicts with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over match bonuses. The NFF’s decision to cancel their bonuses left the team frustrated, raising concerns about a potential strike during their opening match. The players’ determination to seek fair remuneration and recognition for their efforts brought to the forefront the issue of pay disparity in women’s football.
Amid this controversy, Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who had backed the Super Falcons via social media throughout the game against Australia, called in the NFF to pay the players in the immediate aftermath of their thrilling victory, tweeting a succinct: “Pay them.”
Wright’s passionate support rallied global attention to the cause, highlighting the need for fair treatment and acknowledgment of women’s contributions to the sport.
It also brought to focus the issues that coach Waldrum faced with the NFF as well. The back and forth with the Federation about interference with squad selection, less than optimal preparations and feeble support from the NFF ahead of the competition was a disaster-class in terms of preparedness for the global tournament. Yet, Waldrum’s coaching and tactical acumen have been on full display.
The results against Canada and Australia demonstrate his technical grasp and this played a crucial role in the Super Falcons’ success. Waldrum put his grouse with the NFF aside and encouraged his squad to also recommit after their bonus rift with the Federation. With focus turned on their business, they have built a team around unity which has inspired belief among the players. His guidance and strategic choices contributed to the team’s ability to work cohesively and achieve remarkable results against strong opponents.
Waldrum’s emphasis on teamwork and competitive desire resonated with the Super Falcons, leading to their standout performances in the tournament.
The American’s words carry the significance of this process. In post-match comments after the win over Australia, Waldrum said: “We’ve talked about believing in each other and that the success is going to be in the unity of the team. To think we got two results against two top teams says a lot about our heart and the competitive desire that the team has. It’s not always the best talent that wins, it’s the team that works best together.”
The Super Falcons’ triumph at the 2023 Women’s World Cup stands as a testament to their strength, unity, and resilience in the face of conflicts and challenges. Their historic victories against Canada and Australia exhibited Nigeria’s prowess in women’s football and inspired a continent. As the team progresses in the tournament, their journey continues to captivate football enthusiasts worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and igniting conversations about the importance of fair treatment and recognition for women’s football.
The Super Falcons have demonstrated that despite all odds, a united and determined team can achieve remarkable success on the grandest stage of women’s football.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
