Women’s World Cup: Five Nigeria players to excel against Australia

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria will trade tackle with Australia in their second group encounter in the FIFA Women’s World Cup at Lang Park in Brisbane.

After sealing a point in the first game against Canada, the Super Falcons will be targeting a win against the co-host to ensure a smooth passage to the next round.

NigeriaFootball looks through a list of five top Nigeria players capable of doing damage to the Maltidas.

Rasheedat Ajibade

Rasheedat Ajibade has made her return to the Falcons after seating out the first game against Canada due to suspension. The bundle of skills will be looking fresh to torment the defense of Australia with her defense splitting passes and her dribbles down the flank could be decisive for the Falcons in sealing victory.

Chiamaka Nnadozie

Chiamaka Nnadozie stood tall to save a penalty against Canada in the first game. The shot stopper was awarded the player of the match for her great saves against the Canadians and her status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world will be crucial in denying the Matildas a win.

Christy Ucheibe

Christy Ucheibe had a decent game against Canada and if given the nod to start against Australia would bring her expensive to play. The Benfica midfielder was able to pull strings against the Canadians. Ucheibe exquisite passes would outshine the defensive wall of Australia.

Gift Monday

Gift Monday is in line to play against Australia. The forward is blessed with pace, dribbling skills and accurate finishing could be best described as the joker of the Falcons if Randy Waldrum would give her a role in the game.

The Tenerife goal poacher appearing at her first World Cup is hungry for success and if given the chance, her skills would imbalance the Aussies defense.

Michelle Alozie

Michelle Alozie has made progress at the right back role after being put in the position out of necessity for the Nigeria national team. Her dashing pace and mercurial footwork will peg the fullback of Australia to their own half. Alozie swinging crosses can endanger the defense wall of the Matildas.