NFF President, officials to back Super Falcons against France in friendly
By Tosin Omojola
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, along with the Chairperson of the NFF Women’s Football Committee, Ms. Aisha Falode, and the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, will be in attendance to support the Super Falcons in their international friendly match against Les Bleues of France.
The match is scheduled for Saturday at the 18,000-capacity Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, France. Home to Ligue 1 side Angers SCO, the stadium first opened in 1912 and underwent renovations seven years ago.
The Super Falcons will hold their official training session at the venue on Friday evening in preparation for the game. However, the team will be without Turkey-based defender Oluwatosin Demehin, who is sidelined due to injury.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides since their encounter over five years ago at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. In that match, the Super Falcons narrowly lost 1-0 after Wendie Renard converted a twice-taken penalty with just 11 minutes remaining.
Despite the loss, Nigeria advanced to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, while France topped their group with nine points from three matches.
Super Falcons’ coach Christopher Madugu faces crucial decisions in his defensive lineup for Saturday’s game. With veteran Osinachi Ohale likely to anchor the defense, he must choose between England-based Rofiat Imuran and homegrown talent Sikiratu Isah as her partner.
Alternatively, he may deploy Shukurat Oladipo, another home-based player, in her regular center-back position. Michelle Alozie and Ashley Plumptre, who recently returned to the squad, are expected to take up the wing-back roles.
In midfield, Portugal-based Christy Ucheibe, England-based Toni Payne, and France-based Jennifer Echegini — who scored Nigeria’s only goal at this summer’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament — will provide options alongside home-based players Adoo Yina and Josephine Mathias.
With Captain Rasheedat Ajibade absent due to injury, the attacking burden will fall on Spain-based duo Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide. They will be supported by home-based forward Mercy Omokwo, Egypt-based Blessing Nkor, and France-based Ifeoma Onumonu.
