Latest News
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Predicting Nigeria’s XI against Canada
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Ahead of Friday’s outing at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium (Melbourne), nigeriafootball.ng forecast Randy Waldrum’s selection for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B opener against Canada.
Goalkeeper – Chiamaka Nnadozie
With the Paris FC goalie fit for the games, it is a sure banker that she will start the games ahead of Tochukwu Oluehi and Yewande Balogun for the crucial match.
Defender – Osinachi Ohale
Deportivo Alaves defender, Ohale is expected to lead the defense based on her experience with the team ahead of Onome Ebi who might play a cameo role at the Women’s World Cup.
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.
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
In the absence of Halimatu Ayinde, 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 – Jennifer Echegini
Florida State University midfielder is becoming an integral part of Waldrum’s starting eleven and won’t be a surprise start against Canada with her defensive and attacking prowess.
Forward – Asisat Oshoala
The poster lady of the team, Oshoala has a huge task upfront to deliver the goals for the nine-time African champions if the team is to have any chance of making it out of Group B. She would need the support of the duo of Onumonu and Okorokwo to thrive upfront.
Forward – Ifeoma Onumonu
If there is the right time to redeem her image after the last Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) showing for Onumonu, it would surely be at the world stage during her debut Women’s World Cup campaign. Contributing with goals and assists will clear her penalty miss against Zambia off Nigerians’ minds.
Forward – Esther Okoronkwo
After helping the French side, Saint Etienne to return to the top flight French D1 Arkema, Okoronkwo will play a role in the front of the pack to show her new employers, UDG Tenerife the stuff she is made of.
Continue Reading