Women’s World Cup: Top five Nigeria players to make impact against Ireland

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria senior women’s team are entangled in a crucial duel against Republic of Ireland in their final group B game of the ongoing FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup in Brisbane, Australia.

The Super Falcons will be aiming to finish high by defeating Ireland in the tricky fixture. Sitting in the top position in group B with four points, Randy Waldrum’s side will be banking on their influential players to get the job done.

Nigeriafootball.ng draws a pool of five enigmatic players that will get the job done against the Girls In Green.

Asisat Oshoala

Asisat Oshoala restored fans faith in herself as she came on as a second half substitution to find the back of the net against Australia. The striker had been a prey to unnecessary and unconstructive criticism in the first game but she was able to pick herself up with that a great finish. Oshoala confidence and form will spur Falcons to a round of 16 round and beyond.

Rasheedat Ajibade

Rasheedat Ajibade didn’t disappoint against Australia and showed how her vacuum was felt again Canada.

Ajibade contributed two valuable assists against co-host Australia as she dazzles down the left wing side of the Falcons attack. She will be a thorn in the flesh against Ireland.

Tony Payne

Tony Payne has been a rock in the middle of the pack for Nigeria. The midfielder have held down a starting berth in the Falcons as her movements from box to box makes her athletic and her calculated pass to Oshoala to score the winning goal of the game against the Matildas was the crown to a fantastic performance.

Osinachi Ohale

Osinachi Ohale has been the engine room of the Falcons as she has been the instrumental to the team’s positive results in two matches played. The solid rock defender grabbed a goal in the 3-2 win over the Aussies.

Chiamaka Nnadozie

Chiamaka Nnadozie has been a helping hand in the defense of Nigeria with valuable saves to keep score line at bay. She stood tall to have six saves against the Matildas and with her between the sticks, the Super Falcons are assured of quality goalkeeping.