By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Barring any last minute change of mind, Nigeria’s head coach Randy Waldrum wants to deploy a three-pronged attack line to counter the match plans of his Brazil’s counterpart Arthur Elias when Super Falcons clash with Canarinhas Thursday, at Metmut Atlantique Stade Bordeaux in the Group C opener of Paris 2024 Women’s Football Tournament.
Prompt News exclusively gathered that Waldrum will adopt his favourite 4-3-3 formation which will allow him to unleash the trio of captain Rasheedat Ajibade of Atletico Madrid, Spain; Esther Okoronkwo who is plying her trade in Changchun FC, China and Chiwendu Ihezuo of Pachucha Club de Futbol, as the top striker.
Also, attack-minded midfielders Christy Ucheibe of SL Benfica, Portugal); Toni Payne formerly of Sevilla FC, Spain and youthful Deborah Abiodun of University of Pittsburgh will start the match on Thursday.
This is even as Nigeria’s rear will feature four experienced defenders including old war-horse
Osinachi Ohale who plays for Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico; France-based Oluwatosin Demehin of Stade de Reims; Michelle Alozie of Houston Dash, USA and Chidinma Okeke of Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan.
They will protect the reliable first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie who is determined to re-enact what she did in the last World Cup in Australia and New Zealand which won her the 2023 CAF Best Goalkeeper Award (Women’s).
It was also gathered that Waldrum will start the reigning African Best Player (Women’s), Asisat Oshoala of Bay FC, USA) from the bench just as other offensive players like Uchenna Kanu of Racing Louisville, USA; Chinonyerem Macleans of Locomotiv Moscow, Russia and Ifeoma Onumonu of Utah Royals, USA);
Also to start from the bench are midfielder Jennifer Echegini formerly of Juventus Ladies and defender Nicole Payne of Portland Thorns FC, USA as well as reserved goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi. READ ALSO:
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However, the Brazilians will not sit back to watch Nigeria come at them as coach Elias whose team operates a 3-4-2-1 formation has enough weapons in his armoury to shoot down the Falcons with Gabi Nunes leading the line as centre forward after 11 goals in 23 starts for her club Levante in the Spanish Primera Division.
Nigeria’s likey startlist vs Brazil
- Nnadozie, Chiamaka
- Ohale, Osinachi
- Alozie, Michelle
- Okeke, Chidinma
- Demehin, Oluwatosin
- Ucheibe, Christy
- Payne, Toni
- Abiodun, Deborah
- Ihezue, Chiwendu
- Okoronkwo, Esther
- Ajibade, Rasheed
