International Friendly: Gusau, Sanusi, Falode to cheer Super Falcons against Les Bleues

Posted : 29 November 2024

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, along with the 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 Les Bleues of France in Angers.

The match will take place at the 18,000-capacity Stade Raymond Kopa, home ground of Ligue 1 side Angers SCO, which was opened in 1912 and renovated seven years ago.

Watch NPFL Matches LIVE: https://www.africasport.net/livetv/nigeria

Madugu and his team are set to have their official training session at the match venue on Friday evening, with the coach facing the loss of a defender due to an injury to Turkey-based reliable centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin.

The two teams last met nearly five and a 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 match by the odd goal, following Wendie Renard’s twice-taken penalty kick with 11 minutes left on the clock.

Despite the defeat, the Super Falcons made it to the Round of 16, as results in another pool worked in their favor, while France finished top of their group with the maximum nine points from three matches.

On Saturday night, Madugu will have to decide whether to pair England-based Rofiat Imuran or home-girl Sikiratu Isah with veteran Osinachi Ohale at the heart of the defense, with Michelle Alozie and returning Ashley Plumptre expected to man the wing-back positions.

Madugu may also choose to use another home-girl, Shukurat Oladipo, in her usual 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 for midfield, alongside home-based professionals Adoo Yina and Josephine Mathias.

Up front, with Captain Rasheedat Ajibade also absent from Angers due to injury, much will be expected from the Spain-based duo of Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide, along with home-girl Mercy Omokwo, Egypt-based Blessing Nkor, and France-based Ifeoma Onumonu, who are also available.

International Friendly: Gusau, Sanusi, Falode to cheer Super Falcons against Les Bleues

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