‘We know them’ – Halimatu Ayinde upbeat about Nigeria chances against England

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s senior women’s national team midfielder, Halimatu Ayinde believes the team is familiar with England’s antics ahead of their Round of 16 clash in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Monday.

Both sides had contrasting fortunes in the group stage with the Lionesses having a perfect run while the Super Falcons won a game against Australia 3-2 and played out a 0-0 draw with Canada and the Republic of Ireland which sealed a second-place finish for the team in Group B.

The Rosengard midfielder says if Nigeria can stay focussed on their game plan, victory is sure against England.

“I’m excited and ready for it,” Ayinde told NigeriaFootball. “We knew who they were. They have a lot of good players who are technically sound, they are also aggressive and could also hit long balls and run after it.

“On our side, we have the same qualities as well, but then we still have to play as a team, cover the right spaces, and score goals when we have the opportunity. If we could do all these things, then we could beat them.”

Ayinde played two group games and was instrumental in the middle of the pack in helping the nine-time African champions seal a place in the last 16 in a consecutive fashion after achieving the same feat in 2019.

“Qualifying to the Round of 16 was not individual work,” she continued. “It was a collective work from the entire team, and we are proud to get to where we are now. We made mistakes during the group stage matches. Since then, we have been working really hard to minimise the mistakes and do better.”

On partnership with SL Benfica midfielder, Christy Ucheibe, Ayinde and her compatriot kept a decent shift in covering spaces in the midfield.

“So far, we have been great together doing everything possible to cover a lot of space in the midfield,” she added.

“I would encourage her to keep doing her thing and never change her style of play. Instead, improve on how she does her things.”