The Super Falcons will bid to record their fifth win in the history of the Women’s World Cup when they face co-hosts Australia on Thursday (today) morning (11am) at the Brisbane Stadium.
The nine-time African champions have recorded only four wins in the history of the competition – two at the 1999 edition (against North Korea and Denmark), against Canada in 2011 and at the 2019 edition, where they also recorded a 2-0 win over North Korea.
A win for both teams will boost their chances of reaching the round of 16 after Canada secured a 2-1 victory against Ireland on Wednesday.
Australia beat the Irish 1-0 in their group opener while Falcons held favourites 0-0 last Friday.
A defeat for either side today could put them on the verge of elimination.
In their opening match at the tournament, the Falcons displayed defensive prowess, including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saving a penalty, to secure a commendable point.
The odds seem to favour Australia, as they are placed 30 spots above Nigeria in the latest FIFA rankings.
In their only previous Women’s World Cup meeting in 2015, Australia emerged victorious with a 2-0, but this time, the Falcons will aim to settle score.
Randy Waldrum’s side will miss key midfielder Deborah Abiodun, who was sent off against Canada, leaving a void to be filled in midfield ahead of the crucial game.
Her absence offers a chance to Halimatu Ayinde, who missed the opening game against Canada due to suspension, to partner Christy Ucheibe in midfield.
Striker Asisat Oshoala also remains a doubt for the game after she suffered a knock in training. Her absence could hand opportunities to Uchenna Kanu or Desire Oparanozie to make an impact.
Speaking ahead of the game, Falcons coach Waldrum insists his team will look to frustrate Australia, similar to how Ireland were able to minimise their attacking opportunities in the 1-0 opening win.
“Would I take that kind of result, making it as difficult (as possible) on Australia? Absolutely,” he said.
“We would hope we could cause those problems as well.
“Anything they want to give to us, we’ll take it.”
Waldrum will hope for a more clinical edge in Brisbane, after their goalless stalemate last week.
“At this level it’s all about getting results at this point and getting points out of it,” he said.
“Maybe I would worry more if we weren’t creating opportunities at all but we have been.
“It’s a very, very difficult group. So, you’re not going to be putting in four or five goals a game in this kind of group.
“So, I’m not worried about that. We have quality in the team, we have players that can score goals and we just have to make sure when those opportunities come that we’re clinical.”
Waldrum also insists that the absence of Sam Kerr, Aivi Luik and Mary Fowler from the Matildas won’t lure his charges into a false sense of security ahead of the game.
Fowler was ruled out of today’s match at Suncorp Stadium, along with Luik ,after they were concussed in separate incidents on Tuesday.
Kerr was already sidelined with the calf injury that saw her miss the opening 1-0 win over Ireland.
“Well, we never like to see players injured and I know how devastating that is, missing matches in the World Cup,” Waldrum told reporters on Wednesday.
“But I don’t think it really changes our tactics and what we’re trying to do – they obviously still have a lot of weapons that can hurt you.
“I know a lot of their players really well from playing back in the NWSL when I was coaching in the pro league and I know the quality of those players. So, we can’t go into the match thinking we’re at some advantage for that reason.”
