It’s been 8 years since Nigeria and Germany met at the 2011 Women’s World Cup inside the Commerzbank-Arena in Frankfurt.
Nigeria suffered a second defeat in Group A as they fell 1-0 to the host and defending champions courtesy a 54th minute strike through Simeon Laudehr.
On Saturday at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble, the Countries will lock horns again and this time the stakes are even higher – they’ll play a spot in the quarter-final.
In Grenoble, Die Nationalelf and the Super Falcons will have 9 players from 2011 who will either feature or sit out this grudge match.
For Germany:
Almuth Schult was the third choice goalkeeper in 2011, but has emerged the top choice of the team since then and is expected to man to posts Today.
Lena Goessling has played 80 minutes so far in France. She was an unused substitute against Nigeria eight years ago.
Alexandra Popp has scored 47 goals in 99 caps for the German national team and is a super regular for the team. She’s very likely to start again in France like she did in 2011.
For Nigeria:
Tochukwu Oluehi and Alaba Jonathan were the second and third choice goalkeepers in the Falcons team back in 2011.
Although Oluehi was first choice in France, she seems to have lost her place to Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Francisca Ordega was introduced from the bench in 2011, but in France she started all three of Nigeria’s group matches and is an easy pick to start against Germany.
The trio of Onome Ebi, Desire Oparanozie and Rita Chikwelu were starters in Frankfurt.
Except for Chikwelu, the first two will play some part against Germany in the round of 16 match.
The midfielder is suspended after picking up a second yellow card in the group stage and will not be available for selection.