By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
After a hard won 2-1 victory over debutants Haiti, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will wrap up their pre-FIFA Women’s World Cup international friendly matches with a crunch tie against the 2023 edition’s co-host, New Zealand at Emir Sports Complex, Antalya in Turkey on Tuesday.
France-based striker, Esther Okoronkwo who also scored the lone goal which helped Nigeria to beat Costa Rica in Revelation Cup in Mexico in February scored the first goal while FC Barcelona women’s team striker, Asisat Oshoala scored the second for the Africans at the same Emir Sports Complex stadium in Antalya last Friday.
Although the Randy Waldrum led Falcons won the last week’s encounter, they struggled in the most part of the first half to breakdown the lowly rated Haitians during the match even with the full compliments of oversea-based Nigerian stars like Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Onome Ebi and returning Falcons former captain, Desire Oparanozie.
But the real test of the preparedness of the former African champions for the global football fiesta which will start in July in Australia and New Zealand comes with the epic encounter against the ‘Football Ferns’ as New Zealanders are known.
Parading experienced players like veteran goalkeeper Erin Nayler with 80 caps under her belt who plays for Sweden’s IFK Norrkòping and the 19-year Murphy Sheaff of Jacksonville Dolphins in United States as well as reliable defenders Scotland-based Meikayla Moore (60 caps) and team captain Ali Riley (149 caps), the New Zealand team will pose a hard nut to crack by Nigeria.
Also, Head coach Jitka Klimková will unleash his best team on Nigeria as he will field the 32 year-old midfield dazzler, Betsy Hassett who have scored 14 goals for her country; Malia Steinmetz ; Daisy Cleverley of Denmark’s Køge FC and Olivia Chance of Scotland Celtic as well as Melbourne City’s goals machine .
Hannah Wilkinson with 27 goals for New Zealand; Paige Satchell of Wellington Phoenix and 21 year-old top striker,Gabi Rennie plays inUnited States’ Arizona State Sun Devils.
Indeed, Waldrum and his charges will have to step up their game if they hope to beat New Zealand which has been to FIFA Women’s World Cup final on six occasions after their debut appearances in 1991, it took country several years before qualifying again in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and now as co-host.
Unfortunately, the American-born Super Falcons gaffer is yet to impress on the job after having the rare opportunity of inheriting a top team in Africa but have struggled in the past two and half years to select a consistently performing team.
Under his watch Nigeria lost relevance in the African continent by losing the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy in a year Nigeria was the defending champion and suffering three defeats in the hands of South Africa, Morocco and Zambia in the third place match to return to Abuja empty-handed.
The match against New Zealand which is the last before he selects his final squad for the World Cup will give an insight if Nigeria will get out of her group which has co-host Australia, Olympic Games champions Canada and rising European nation Republic of Ireland.
Elsewhere, the Three Lionesses of England will tackles Nigeria’s group opponents, Australia in London on Thursday in the match both countries will like to win as a parting gift to their fans ahead of the World Cup proper.
England led by one of the best women’s football coaches in the world, Sarina Wiegman will like to finish the April international break on high note by playing what is currently their final scheduled game before the 2023 Women’s World Cup against tournament co-hosts Australia with victory on their mind.
The Lionesses emerged victorious in a penalty shootout for the first time when they defeated Brazil in front of more than 83,000 people at Wembley to be crowned Finalissima champions last Thursday.
Ella Toone got the ball rolling for England in what was ultimately a cliched game of two halves. Brazil’s stoppage time equaliser to force penalties was fully deserved, but it was England who kept their cool from 12 yards and goalkeeper Mary Earps who emerged the hero.
On the other hand, Australia endured the disappointment of a 1-0 friendly defeat to Scotland in their first game of this international break, ending what had been an impressive run of seven successive wins.
The England versus Australia game which is sold out and could bring in a crowd of around 17,000 will be played at Brentford Community Stadium in London.
Australia is ranked six places lower in the FIFA world rankings to England but the Aussies will provide another stern test. That being said, England remain one of the sides to beat in international football.
