National Teams
Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers: How Nigeria players fared in draw against Cameroon
By Wale Mustapha
Nigeria women’s national team forced the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon to a gritty goaless draw in the first leg, third round of 2024 Africa Women’s Olympics qualifiers in Douala on Wednesday.
Randy Waldrum’s side survived the physical threats of the hosts to share the spoil, with the second leg to be decided is Abuja on Monday. Nigeriafootball.ng runs the rule on how the Falcons’ players performed in the goaless draw.
Chiamaka Nnadozie – 7.5/10
The Paris FC safe hand didn’t fall short of expectations as she controlled her goal line well.
She made three big saves to dent the Lionesses from getting past her.
Her coordination of the defense was also top notch.
Ashleiph Plumptre – 7/10
Plumptre showed why she’s really needed in the match as she was all over the Falcons’ defense.
She started as one of the three centre backs and did excellently before he was switched to left back in the latter part.
The Al Ittihad defender made three important interceptions, five tackles and four aerial contests successfully.
Oluwatosin Demehin – 6.5/10
She formed a better partnership with the other centre backs, notably in the first half.
She kept out the marauding Cameroonian attackers from taking aim at goal.
She however dropped the tempo in the second half, possibly as a result of the hosts desperation and more numbers in the attack.
Osinachi Ohale – 7.5/10
Trojan as always, Ohale once again showed age is just a number as she matched the Cameroon attackers for strength and pace.
She was excellent with her aerial contests and didn’t make a error with her tackles.
She led the back line as expected.
Michelle Alozie – 5/10
The US based defender struggled for most of the game till she was replaced.
She find it hard to cope with the physicality of the Cameroonians and it worn her out, especially in the second half.
It was evident as she was swapped for Rofiat Imuran.
Christy Ucheibe – 7/10
Ucheibe did well with her break in play for the opponents, she was on the Cameroonian attackers and midfielders shielding them from making in roads to Falcons’ goal area.
She was four successful tackles and three interceptions.
Halimat Ayinde – 5/10
Ayinde had a challenging moments as she find it hard to cope with the opponents’ physical threats.
She made few good use of the ball in first half and could connect well with the attackers.
No surprises as she didn’t resume for the second half.
Abiodun Deborah – 7/10
Young and energetic, Deborah was able to keep the Cameroonians at bay with her markings and blockings.
She was combined well with Ucheibe to force the hosts make use of the wings rather than midfield.
Rasheedat Ajibade – 8/10
Arguable the team’s best player of the night, Ajibade led by example, in midfield, attack and defense.
Her decisive passes almost wrecked havoc on the Cameroonians. One of them was not well utilized by Oshoala.
Rasheedat Ajibade vs Cape Verde
Tony Payne – 5/10
The Sevilla star was employed to operate from the flank after only joining the team in Douala on Friday.
She did well at the formative stages with some deliveries but struggled to cope with the pace of the Cameroonian wingers before end of first half.
Asisat Oshoala – 5/10
Oshoala couldn’t deliver her A-game as she struggled to connect with passes from midfielders.
Her hold on play was below par and also fluffed one of the team’s best chances.
Substitutes
Esther Okoronkwo – 5.5/10
She made meaningful impact from the moments she came in and used her height and physical abilities to worry Cameroon defense.
She made four through passes that could have been utilized.
Jennifer Echegini – 5.5/10
The Juventus’ schemer also formed a better partnership with other attackers but had to do more of defending as the Falcons had to be cautious of the Cameroon’d threats in the second half.
Rofiat Imuran – 5/10
A timely interjection for the defense as she slowed down the opponent’s attack from right side.
She made three interceptions and one low block.
Rinsola Babajide – 5/10
She came in for Oshoala and operated from left side of attack.
She made two deliveries and three take ons.
Her pace and physical abilities reduced Cameroon from attacking in numbers.
Ifeoma Onumonu – N/R
She came in too late into the match and couldn’t make any notable impact.
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