Super Falcons, ranked 40th in the world by FIFA, shocked World Cup co-hosts and world No 10 Australia 3-2 with Chiamaka Nnadozie, Asisat Oshoala and Osinachi Ohale, not to forget the lively Rasheedat Ajibade, the stand-out performers on a historic day.
They will reach the knockout stage of the World Cup later today should they avoid defeat against Republic of Ireland.
⚽️ Here's the opener and Osimhen's first in the 4-0 win over Turkish side, Hatayspor.pic.twitter.com/5DiJpJGxU7
— HF (@hfworld_) July 29, 2023
5.Victor Osimhen
The holidays have certainly not blunted the sharpness of the Napoli striker in front of goal after he scored twice against Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor in a pre-season friendly. Despite the huge interest he has generated on the transfer market, he now looks more likely to extend his stay with the Serie A champions as they begin the defence of their crown in the new season. Did Napoli out price him from a major transfer?
4.Gift Orban
He may soon be on his way out of Belgian club KAA Gent, but the striker kept his focus to score on the opening day of the new season in a 3-2 win over KV Kortjik. He scored 20 goals in all competitions and already he does not look like slowing down anytime soon. His next team will be ever grateful he will be striking for goal for them. What will be the transfer fee? Twenty five Million Euros not be bad business for Gent after they spent over Three Million to sign him in January.
3.Chiamaka Nnadozie
The Super Falcons stand-in captain has proved she is one of the best goalkeepers on parade at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. She saved a penalty in a goalless draw with Olympic champions Canada to be named Player of the Match, before she pulled off several big saves to ensure the shock win over hosts Australia. Her confidence, quality and command of her area will be crucial in how far the Super Falcons go at this World Cup.
2.Asisat Oshoala
The Barcelona Femeni star showed her class by coming off the bench to score a sublime goal from an acute angle and give Nigeria the full points against The Matildas of Australia. Her goal celebration – pulling off her top to show her bra – caused an uproar on social media particularly because she is a Muslim, a religion that forbids such exposure in public.
1.Osinachi Ohale
The durable central defender has been the rock in the Nigerian back-four for many years and she has underlined this fact at her fourth World Cup with a brave goal against Australia and solid displays in the Falcons first two games at the global tournament. She organises the defence and most importantly leads by example. She truly deserved her FIFA Player of the Match Award vs Australia after she put her body on the line to give Nigeria a 2-1 lead to cap another masterful performance in the heart of the defence.
