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The Super Falcons are facing a major injury crisis ahead of their international friendly against France’s Les Bleues this Saturday, with Turkey-based centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin ruled out after sustaining an injury.
The absence of the reliable defender comes as a blow to Coach Madugu, who now faces a defensive reshuffle for the crucial match at the 18,000-capacity Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, France.
In a display of solidarity, top officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)—including President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Women’s Football Committee Chair Aisha Falode, and General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi—will be in the stands to cheer the Falcons as they aim to make a statement on the international stage.
The match will be held at the historic Stade Raymond Kopa, home to Ligue 1’s Angers SCO, a stadium with a rich history dating back to 1912.
Despite the setback in defense, Coach Madugu has a strong squad at his disposal, including veteran Osinachi Ohale, who is expected to anchor the backline.
Madugu now faces a tough decision between England-based Rofiat Imuran, home-girl Sikiratu Isah, and Shukurat Oladipo to partner Ohale in central defense.
Meanwhile, wing-back positions are expected to be manned by Michelle Alozie and the returning Ashley Plumptre.
The Super Falcons’ midfield is stacked with talent, with Portugal-based Christy Ucheibe, England-based Toni Payne, and France-based Jennifer Echegini all available to provide support.
Echegini, who scored Nigeria’s only goal at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France this summer, will be a key player in the middle.
Up front, the Falcons will have to cope with the absence of captain Rasheedat Ajibade due to injury, but they are still well-equipped to take on the French side.
Spain-based duo Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide will be expected to lead the attack, while home-based Mercy Omokwo, Egypt-based Blessing Nkor, and France-based Ifeoma Onumonu are all ready to contribute in the final third.
This friendly marks the first meeting between the Super Falcons and France since their narrow 1-0 loss in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, when a twice-taken penalty by Wendie Renard saw the Les Bleues edge out Nigeria in the group stage.
Despite the defeat, the Super Falcons progressed to the Round of 16, while France finished at the top of their group with a perfect nine points from three matches.
With a revamped squad and high stakes, the Super Falcons will be hoping to bounce back from the heartbreak of 2019 and prove themselves against one of the world’s top women’s teams.
With France coming off a dominant run in the World Cup, the Super Falcons will be looking to bounce back from their narrow defeat in the 2019 tournament and make a statement on the international stage.
