2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Predicting Nigeria XI against Australia

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Ahead of Thursday’s encounter at the Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, NigeriaFootball forecast Randy Waldrum’s selection for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B opener against co-hosts, Australia.

With Deborah Abiodun on suspension after her red card against Olympic champions, Canada, Waldrum is expected to make a forced change to his starting XI.

The return of the duo of Halimatu Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade will also activate some tweaks in the coach’s midfield and attacking set up.

With the Paris FC goalie fit for the game, it is a sure banker that she will start the games ahead of Tochukwu Oluehi and Yewande Balogun for the crucial match.

Nnadozie picked up the captain band against Canada and salvaged a point for the Super Falcons with her penalty save of Christine Sinclair’s spot kick.

Deportivo Alaves defender, Ohale is expected to lead the defence based on her experience with the team ahead of Onome Ebi who might play a cameo role at the Women’s World Cup.

The 31-year-old put up a formidable display as the most experienced player in the defence against Canada is expected to start this match up.

Defender – Tosin Demehin

The Stade de Reims defender should partner Ohale in the backline to bring her experience with the French side to bear after making an instant blend into her club’s starting line up during her first season in the French D1 Arkema over the 2022/2023 campaign.

The former Sunshine Queens and Rivers Angels defender will also need to be careful of receiving another yellow card which will rule her out of the clash against the Republic of Ireland in the final group game after being booked against Canada.

Defender – Rofiat Imuran

Tosin Demehin’s teammate at Stade de Reims, Imuran will hold the left back position combining defence with attack options.

Defender – Michelle Alozie

The Houston Dash player is sure to play a role from the wing and defensively like Imuran against Canada.

Midfielder – Christy Ucheibe

SL Benfica midfielder, Ucheibe will have a free day in the middle of the pack to muscle out Canadian midfielders and create goal-scoring chances for the attackers with a form of creative spark.

Midfielder – Toni Payne

Sevilla star, Payne will work in support of the attackers as an attacking midfielder in a bid to break the Canadian defence on Friday.

Midfielder – Halimatu Ayinde

Rosengard midfielder, Ayinde is expected to return from her two-match suspension which she got at the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against Morocco in the semi-final.

She is expected to play a major role in the middle of the pack to help the nine-time African champions against the co-hosts

Forward – Rasheedat Ajibade

With the fitness of FC Barcelona forward, Asisat Oshoala not clear, it might give Ajibade the chance to return to the starting lineup after completing her two-match suspension.

Forward – Ifeoma Onumonu

Gotham FC forward as one of Waldrum’s trusted attackers is expected to start the match for her second game in her debut Women’s World Cup.

Forward – Esther Okoronkwo

Due to the not-too-impressive display of the CSKA Moscow forward in the first game against Canada, Okoronkwo might likely replace her in the line-up.