The Super Falcons face their toughest test at the 2022 WAFCON on Thursday when they have to go past bitter rivals Cameroon to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The WAFCON quarterfinal against the Indomitable Lionesses, the second best team in Africa according to latest FIFA Rankings, will determine one of four tickets to next year’s World Cup.
The Falcons put themselves in this tight corner no thanks to an opening day loss to South Africa for them to finish as runners-up in Group C.
Cameroon also were not all-conquering in the group stage of the tournament as they had to settle for second place on five points.
Both teams now know they have to raise their game to reach the semifinals that comes with the top prize of a World Cup ticket.
Nigeria hold the proud record of having featured in all the FIFA Women’s World Cups.
However, in Morocco they have not been the all-conquering army from previous tournaments.
They have improved after a shambolic display against South Africa, but it could also be argued that was against lesser opposition like Botswana and Burundi.
The defence has provided more assurances with the emergence of Osinachi Ohale as a pillar of strength and stability to cover up for the lapses of skipper Onome Ebi, while Toni Payne has fitted in nicely at an unfamiliar role at rightback.
Without a doubt the biggest discovery for the Falcons in Morocco is Portugal-based midfielder Christy Ucheibe, who looked very much at home as a starter against Burundi in place of the veteran Rita Chikwelu.
In attack, Rasheedat Ajibade was the best player on the pitch against Burundi and will have to do same against Cameroon in Casablanca, while Uchenna Kalu, not Ifeoma Onumonu, could well be the real goal threat for the Falcons as she can better cope with the physicality of the Lionesses.
Kick-off time Thursday is 6pm in Nigeria.
