The Nigerian Super Falcons embarked on a challenging journey leading up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. As they geared up for the prestigious tournament, the team had to navigate several internal issues that threatened to disrupt their focus and preparation. The most prominent among these hurdles were the bonus disputes with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the accusations and counter-accusations involving the team’s coach, Randy Waldrum. These controversies created an air of tension and uncertainty within the team, making it an inauspicious setting in the leadup to their World Cup campaign.
Amidst the turmoil, the Super Falcons found themselves placed in Group B, a formidable test comprising co-hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada, and the spirited newcomers from Ireland. Each match presented a unique set of challenges, demanding a collective effort and exceptional performance from the Nigerian squad.
The Group B encounters unfolded as crucial litmus tests for the Super Falcons, evaluating their resilience, defensive organisation, and attacking formation against formidable opponents. While securing a spot in the round of 16 was a commendable achievement, it also exposed areas that require improvement to face the upcoming challenge against Group D winners and European champions England.
It all began the day after the opening ceremonies of the 2023 World Cup in Group B. The Super Falcons were drawn into a daunting pool with the Matildas of Australia, Olympic champions Canada, and the Irish. Each match presented a unique set of challenges that demanded the Super Falcons’ unwavering determination and tactical adaptability. The encounter with Canada proved to be a stern test. Canada, known for their physicality and disciplined defensive play, posed a formidable challenge for the Super Falcons’ attacking display. Nigeria’s tactical discipline and defensive organisation were put to the test against the Olympic champions. Despite not securing a victory, the goalless draw was testament to the team’s resilience, marking a credible start to their World Cup campaign.
Facing co-hosts Australia was a pivotal match for Nigeria, as it provided an opportunity to make a statement against a formidable opponent. Australia’s home advantage and experienced squad posed a significant threat, but the Super Falcons demonstrated exceptional character and determination. A thrilling 3-2 victory gave evidence of their ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities and expose vulnerabilities in their opponents’ defence. However, the match also revealed areas of concern in Nigeria’s defensive shape, which needed to be addressed as they progressed in the tournament.
The final match in Group B against Ireland was a do-or-die encounter for the Super Falcons. Ireland, a team fuelled by the determination to not be beaten in their final game of the competition, sought to make their mark in their first-ever Women’s World Cup appearance. Nigeria needed to secure a positive result to advance to the round of 16. The match ended in a goalless draw, as another evidence of the defensive solidity and discipline under pressure that the Nigerian squad was developing under the technical instructions of coach Randy Waldrum. However, their inability to convert scoring opportunities against a resolute Irish defence exposed the need to improve their finishing and clinicality in front of goal.
Throughout the group stage, the Super Falcons displayed moments of brilliance, discipline, and defensive organisation. However, the challenges posed by the opponents in Group B also highlighted areas for improvement, which the team needs to address to excel in the knockout stage and beyond. As they prepare to face the Group D winners, England, Nigeria must draw upon the experiences from the group matches and enhance their performance in various aspects of their game to compete effectively against top-tier opponents they are bound to face.
One of the critical areas requiring improvement for the team is their finishing and scoring efficiency. Nigeria had several promising attacking moves in the group phase, creating scoring opportunities with their skillful play. However, they struggled to convert those chances into goals consistently. Against formidable opponents like the Three Lionesses, who are European champions, capitalising on scoring opportunities will be paramount, as goal-scoring efficiency can be the difference between success and elimination in knockout matches. Asisat Oshoala will have to be at her clinical best as well as her strike partner Rasheedat Ajibade.
While the Super Falcons demonstrated commendable defensive resilience in the group stage, there were instances of lapses in defensive organisation. Against stronger opponents, maintaining a compact defensive shape between the impressive duo of Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre, while minimising defensive errors will be crucial. Addressing communication breakdowns between every part of the backline and the excellent Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal, and ensuring better coordination among the defenders will be essential to thwart England’s attacking threats.
To gain an edge against England, Nigeria must strive to assert greater control in the midfield battles. Halimatu Ayinde, Toni Payne and especially Christy Ucheibe were commendable in their game against Australia but the performance needs improving, especially in terms of ball retention. There is also the equally important news to improve in creating more scoring opportunities from midfield that will help to provide the forwards with better support and see that Oshoala thrives in the offensive. It will also enable the team to disrupt England’s rhythm and dictate the flow of the game, giving them a chance to control the tempo.
The knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup demands peak fitness and stamina from teams. As the competition intensifies, the Super Falcons must ensure that they maintain their physical conditioning throughout the match. Optimal fitness levels will help them sustain high-intensity play, making them competitive until the final whistle. Input from the technical bench is just as important here to identify players that are fatigued long before they become a liability for the team.
Furthermore, maintaining mental strength and focus under high-pressure situations is paramount going forward. Nigeria must remain composed and focused, especially in decisive moments of the match. Towards the end of the match against Australia, a dip in focus allowed them a peep into drawing level. This cannot be allowed against tougher opposition. The Super Falcons should draw on their collective experience and belief to keep their composure and not succumb to nerves. Developing a strong mental resolve will help them tackle the challenges of facing strong opponents and give them a mental edge.
Against an opponent like England, who possesses a mix of offensive and defensive strengths, tactical flexibility will be vital for the Super Falcons. Waldrum must prepare the team with adaptable strategies to counter England’s style of play. This may involve altering formations or making tactical adjustments during the match based on the flow of the game.
In addition, set-pieces can be crucial in tight knockout encounters, and Nigeria must improve their execution in both attacking and defensive set-pieces to enhance their chances of success against England, who are also proficient in this aspect.
It is also imperative that the Super Falcons are vigilant of several key players who can influence the outcome of the match. Chelsea’s 21-year-old Lauren James has been in sensational form, with her goal-scoring and playmaking abilities.
She has three goals already in the group stage which make her a significant threat. Another prolific forward is Manchester United’s Alessi Russo. She made an immediate impact in the World Cup, opening the scoring in England’s commanding 6-1 win against China. Her ability to find space and her accurate finishing must be curtailed.
Another threat is Rachel Daly, England’s 31-year-old Aston Villa forward. Her 22 goals saw her win the Women’s Super League golden boot. Daly not only possesses a relentless attacking arsenal but her ability to create opportunities for her teammates make her doubly dangerous. Midfielder Georgia Stanway and experienced right back, Lucy Bronze, belong to this set of key players to be wary of.
The Super Falcons must devise a strategic plan to neutralise the influence of these key England players, and the rest of the team, while remaining mindful of the overall team’s strengths. Studying England’s tactics, set-piece execution, and individual play styles will allow Nigeria to prepare a well-coordinated defensive strategy. By effectively containing the key players and employing tactical discipline, the Super Falcons can challenge England and aim to progress further in the knockout stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Given all that the Super Falcons have endured, punching their ticket for a spot in the round of 16 is a testament to their spirit and talent, exemplifying the pride of African women’s football on the global stage. Despite their challenges, the Nigerians have an extra motivating factor on their journey – the financial rewards. As runners-up in Group B, each player has already earned an additional $30,000 as an appearance fee, bringing their total earnings at the group stage to $60,000 per player. Qualifying for the round of 16 guarantees them an extra $60,000, which amounts to a total of $90,000 per player.
The prospect of advancing further in the tournament can unlock even larger financial rewards, with the potential for each player to earn up to $270,000 if they reach the pinnacle and become Women’s World Cup champions. As the Super Falcons prepare to face England, let their achievements in the group stage serve as a foundation for success. By honing their strengths and addressing areas for improvement, the team can seize the opportunity to leave an indelible mark on the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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.
