National Teams
Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifier: Super Falcons probable XI against Cameroon
By Monsurah Olatunji
Following a goalless draw in Douala, Nigeria is set to host the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in the return leg of their Olympic qualification fixture in Abuja.
The two powerhouses will go through go toe-to-toe with each other on Monday evening at the MKO Abiola Stadium.
Head coach Randy Waldrum, returning to lead the team for the first time since the 2023 Women’s World Cup, aimed to inject vigour into the squad conceded just two goals in their four-match unbeaten run scoring 12 goals under their stand-in coach, Justine Magudu.
However, Waldrum will be aiming to lead the team to secure a spot in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament for the first time in 16 years.
The Super Falcons’ last Olympic appearance came back in China in 2008 when they were eliminated in the group stage.
The Indomitable Lionesses ended their hopes of qualifying for London 2012 and will be hoping to repeat the same feat by getting a win in Nigeria on Monday.
Considering the scrapping of away goal rule from these qualifying rounds, the Indomitable Lionesses will go to extra time with an aggregate tie after the regulation time in Abuja.
Unlike when the Falcons were in a similar position in 2019 ahead of the 2020 Olympics when drew goalless in Cote d’Ivoire in the first leg but failed to soar in the return leg as the Ivorians secured a 1-1 draw in Lagos.
With the game fully in the hands of the Nigerians , the American tactician is expected aiming to solidify the squad in a 4-3-3 formation. And Nigeriafootball predicts his possible starting XI.
Goalkeeper: Chiamaka Nnadozie is currently the undisputed number for Nigeria following her impressive World Cup performance followed by her heroic show for Paris FC in the UEFA Champions League.
The reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year has saved numerous penalty kicks in the competition against top guns like Arsenal, Wolfsburg, and BK Hacken, and Waldrum would not trade her for anything at this crucial stage if the qualifiers.
Defenders: The back four deployed in Nigeria’s previous match in Douala is likely to remain unchanged, with Ashleigh Plumptre, Blessing Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, and Michelle Alozie maintaining their balance.
Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, and Deborah Abiodun are expected to retain their roles in midfield, providing stability against the Cameroonians.
Attackers:Rasheedat Ajibade is poised to captain the side from the left flank, with Toni Payne on the right.
However, it will be tactical to start Uchenna Kanu or Ifeoma Onumonu as the lone striker ahead of CAF Player of the Year record-holder, Asisat Oshoala.
The former Barcelona star’s recent form has been below par, with all defenders aiming to isolate her in attack.
Goalkeeper: Chiamaka Nnadozie
Defenders: Plumptre, Demehin, Ohale, Alozie
Midfielders: Ayinde, Ucheibe, Deborah
Attackers: Ajibade, Kanu, Payne
Ifeoma Onumonu and Gift Monday are likely alternatives, while Okoronkwo and Jennifer Echegini will be add live to the attack.