Super Falcons player ratings after Canada draw
Nigeria’s Super Falcons battled to a 0-0 draw Vs Canada in their opening game of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the early hours of Friday July 21.
Brave – the word to describe the Super Falcons as a team, having survived a penalty to Canada and eventually finishing the game with ten players following a red card to Deborah Abiodun.
Now let’s rate the players individually.
Chiamaka Nnadozie 9/10 [GK] : By all parameters Nigeria’s best player of the game. Her diving save to stop Canada’s penalty was a key moment in this game. Here in praise of the Falcons captain for this game. The Best.
Ashleigh Plumptre 7/10: Had a decent game at left-back. Not one of her best games as a Falcon but understandably so because she was played away from her central defence spot. Found short of speed at times but since the team finished with a clean sheet – No shaking. Maybe adjustments in subsequent games.
Michelle Alozie 7/10: Alozie was always alert to the dangerous advances by the opposition. Had few slack moments but still good enough for the point.
Osinachi Ohale 7.5/10: Brilliant all-round performance to marshal the Super Falcons defence line. 31-year old Ohale brought her experience to fore to keep the Falcons sheet clean.
Blessing Demehin 7.3/10: What a performance on her World Cup debut. 21-year old Blessing justified Randy Waldrum’s decision to name her from the start. Intelligently got a card with a foul to stop a dangerous attack. The future of the Super Falcons defence.
Christy Ucheibe 7.5/10: Worked so hard in her game the Super Falcons had to defend for most of-it. Ucheibe’s only undoing was with her pass accuracy. Maybe that will change in a more balanced game where she will have less running and tackling to do.
Deborah Abiodun 7.2/10: Her partnership with Ucheibe was perfect-fit for this game. Another youngster who has justified Waldrum’s decision. Abiodun was solid in midfield and was unlucky to get sent off in the final minutes of the game.
Toni Payne 6.5/10: Not a bad game for Payne. Nigeria’s most dangerous player in the final third for this game. Her passing and set pieces were good. Hopefully she will grow with every game.
Francesca Ordega 6/10: Not a great game for the experienced forward. She offered very little in attack and was guilty for the foul in the area to gift Canada a penalty. Waldrum should consider a shake-up in the attack for the game vs Australia especially with Rasheedat Ajibade’s return.
Ifeoma Onumonu 6/10: Had Nigeria’s only shot on target. Not poor but lacked pace to disturb the Canadian defenders who had little work to do all game.
Asisat Oshoala 6/10: Africa’s beat Oshoala was not her Inspirational self. The Canadian defenders had solution to keeping her at bay and so stifle Nigeria’s biggest attacking threat. Not a bad game but one she had no on-target attempt. Nigerians will want more from Oshoala.
SUBSTITUTES
Of the three Nigerian substitutes for the game, only Uchenna Kanu had significant contribution to the game. Kanu was lively and had a good outing.
