Nigeria(W) vs New Zealand(W) Preview: Super Falcons eye win in a row against the Ferns

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s senior women’s national team will face 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-host, New Zealand in another international friendly at the Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya at 2 pm Nigeria time on Tuesday.

The West Africans will use the game to prove that its recent wins over Costa Rica and Haiti were no flukes as Randy Waldrum’s side has shrugged off a bad patch of seven winless runs to record back-to-back wins in last two outings.

Goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Asisat Oshoala steered the nine-time African champions past Haiti in Antalya on Thursday, for a second consecutive win on the road despite Melchie Dumornay’s consolation.

This came after the 1-0 defeat of Costa Rica at the Revelation Cup Tournament in Mexico, the goal also coming off the boot of Esther Okoronkwo.

The African powerhouse will use Tuesday’s game to test the might of New Zealand, the neighbors of Nigeria’s Group B opponents and fellow World Cup co-host, Australia.

New Zealand is by no means of the same strength as Australia based on its recent lull in form.

The Nigerians has failed to win any of its last nine games with seven losses and two draws and will rely on the attacking prowess of gangling trio of Asisat Oshoala, Esther Okoronkwo, and returning Desire Oparanozie.

On the other hand, New Zealand’s attack threats will be shouldered by Melbourne City forward Hannah Wilkinson who scored the equalizer when the team forced Iceland to a 1-1 draw in its last match.

Nigeria are fan favourites to win the match with the odds on the side of nine-time African Champions ahead of the World Cup co-host prepare to face Norway, Switzerland, and the Philippines in Group A at this year’s tournament.