Afrigather After 16 lengthy years, Nigeria has lastly certified for girls’s Olympic football as soon as extra.
A tense two-legged affair by which Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty was the only real distinction maker in opposition to South Africa would see the Tremendous Falcons return to the Video games for the primary time since Beijing 2008.
It comes after a gutsy run on the 2023 FIFA Ladies’s World Cup appeared to rekindle the hearth beneath Africa’s most embellished soccer group.
Paris 2024 is an opportunity for them to construct on latest development, becoming a member of Group C alongside Spain, Japan, and Brazil.
May a return to the worldwide stage immediate a brand new period for the Tremendous Falcons?
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 07: Nigeria gamers look dejected throughout the penalty shoot out within the FIFA Ladies’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Spherical of 16 match between England and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on August 07, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Picture by Justin Setterfield/Getty Photos)
Image by Justin Setterfield
Nigeria’s gusty World Cup displaying
Nigeria might have bowed out on the spherical of 16 stage within the 2023 Ladies’s World Cup, however this time their exit felt totally different.
A event by which they gave all of it was a mere signal of what could possibly be on the horizon.
Getting out of a bunch consisting of Olympic gold medallists Canada, hosts Australia, and debutants Republic of Eire was all the time a tricky ask – however it started with a bang.
The African nation held the Canadians to a 0-0 draw with backs to the wall defending – their opponents finally falling by the hands of a shock group-stage curtain name.
With the power of Australia in opposition to them, Nigeria knew they needed to go for it and that’s what they did.
A aim behind, Uchenna Kanu levelled issues in first-half stoppage time earlier than objectives from Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala within the second half set them on their manner.
The Aussies pulled one again in harm time, however they held on to win 3-2 despite an opposition onslaught that will see them concede 28 pictures, 8 of which on track.
Secure passage to the knockout rounds was confirmed with a draw in opposition to the Republic of Eire, marking the primary time this resilient aspect reached this stage because the 1999 version of the event.
England can be the place Nigeria fell, however not for lack of making an attempt. They pushed the eventual finalists all the way in which and got here agonisingly shut, however have been bested by the Lionesses 4-2 on penalties.
It was a displaying not solely to be happy with but in addition to construct on.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 27: Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria celebrates after scoring her group’s third aim throughout the FIFA Ladies’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 27, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Picture by Justin Setterfield/Getty Photos)
Image by Justin Setterfield
Nigeria: The celebrities on the helm
Nigeria can depend on a mix of youth and expertise to assist them usher in a possible new period of success.
Final summer time was proof of that.
Asisat Oshoala is undoubtedly the star title, the 29-year-old having bagged 37 objectives in over 60 appearances for her nationwide group.
In addition to a confirmed aim scorer, she is a bonafide winner. A five-year stint at FC Barcelona noticed her topped Premier División champion on 4 events, a two-time UEFA Champions League winner and a plethora of different medals to her title.
It’s the type of pedigree that’s invaluable to a group, together with the Tremendous Falcons.
Her expertise will show important for the event of younger forwards like Present Monday, who performs her soccer in Spain.
5 objectives and one help within the league for UD Tenerife is promising for the 22-year-old, who might comply with within the footsteps of the veteran striker.
In midfield, Christy Ucheibe was significantly impressed at Australia & New Zealand 2023. Regardless of being 22 on the time, she was a pacesetter within the center as Nigeria clinched a vital level in opposition to Olympic champions Canada.
Defensively, fullbacks Ashleigh Plumptre and Michelle Alozie had their very own breakout moments final 12 months, 25 and 26 respectively, the very best remains to be but to come back.
Between the sticks is 23-year-old Chiamaka Nnadozie who’s undoubtedly within the dialog as top-of-the-line goalkeepers within the sport proper now.
After which, in fact, there’s Ajibade, who has confirmed to be a worthy captain to steer the Tremendous Falcons ahead, evident when changing the penalty that finally booked their spot on the Olympics.
This present crop of Nigerian gamers is overflowing with expertise – it appears like a matter of time earlier than they push for world titles.
Paris 2024 might very effectively be the occasion to kickstart that.
