New Zealand v Nigeria: Match preview as Super Falcons perch to feed on Football Ferns in Turkey

by Imhons Erons

The two continental giants lock horns for the first time in international football in a preparatory match ahead of the Mundial


The highly anticipated friendly match between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and New Zealand is set to take place on April 11th, 2023, and promises to be a captivating contest between two impressive teams.

Despite Nigeria’s current ranking of 42nd in the world compared to New Zealand’s 25th, both teams are incredibly talented and have a rich history in women’s football.

The Super Falcons have won the African Women’s Cup of Nations 11 times, while New Zealand have qualified for every Women’s World Cup since 2007.

The Falcons have had it rough since their disappointing outing at the 2022 African Women’s Cup of Nations, where they finished fourth and lost to South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia.

However, the team has shown in the past that they can compete with the best in the world, having reached the quarter-finals of the 1999 Women’s World Cup and making it past the group stage in the 2019 edition in France. Randy Waldrum’s ladies won their last two games against Costa Rica and Haiti.


Players to watch in the upcoming match include Asisat Oshoala, who has been in fine form for her club Barcelona and Rasheedat Ajibade, a rising star in Nigerian football who has been impressive for Atletico Madrid this season.

New Zealand, however, have struggled in their recent matches, failing to win any of their last nine games and conceding 22 goals while only scoring twice. Despite this, they have a good mix of experience and youth in players such as Hannah Wilkinson and Betsy Doon Hassett.

Tactical analysis

In terms of tactics, both teams are likely to play a high-intensity pressing game, with Nigeria playing a 4-3-3 formation and New Zealand opting for a 4-4-2 formation. New Zealand’s quick buildup play may give them an advantage, while Nigeria’s physicality, technical ability, and pace could work in their favour.

Overall, the match promises to be an enthralling encounter between two evenly matched teams. The Super Falcons will be looking to prove themselves and show that they can compete with the best in the world, while New Zealand will be hoping to turn around their poor form with the World Cup on the horizon.

It will be interesting to see which team comes out on top in what should be a thrilling match

Match details

Competition: Friendly match
Game: New Zealand vs. Nigeria
Venue: Mardan Stadyumu, Antalya
Date: 11 April 2023
Kick-off time: 2 pm (Nigerian time)

Friendly: Why It’s Important For Super Falcons To Beat New Zealand —Udeze

April 10, 2023 8:38 am


Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has said it is important for the Super Falcons to defeat New Zealand in their next friendly game in Turkey.

The Falcons will take on co-host of the 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup New Zealand on Tuesday.

In their first tuneup game in Turkey, Randy Waldrum’s side edged World Cup debutant Haiti 2-1 on Friday, 7 April thanks to goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Asisat Oshoala.

They will now round off their preparations in Turkey against a struggling New Zealand side who have lost seven and drawn two of their last nine games.

And Udeze believes a win against New Zealand will help in boosting the confidence of the Falcons players, who had gone on a seven game losing streak before ending it with a win against Costa Rica at the Revelation Cup in Mexico in February.

“It is important for the Super Falcons to beat New Zealand because it will boost their confidence ahead of the World Cup,” Udeze said on Brila FM’s Breakfast Show on Monday.

“It is important to win games like this especially as you prepare for a big tournament so I want to wish them all the best.“

The Falcons are grouped alongside co-host Australia, Canada and debutant Republic of Ireland at this year’s women’s World Cup.

New Zealand Focus Attention On Super Falcons After 1-1 Draw Vs Iceland In Friendly Game

April 8, 2023

New Zealand Women’s team has turned their attention to the friendly match with the Super Falcons of Nigeria which takes place on Tuesday, April 11 at the Mardan Sports Complex.

The co-host of the 2023 women’s World Cup played out a 1-1 draw with Iceland in a friendly match on Friday, April 7 at the Mardan Sports Complex.

scored the first goal for Iceland in the 27th minute and Hannah Wilkinson equalised for New Zealand seven minutes later.

After the game the New Zealand Football Association declared on their Twitter handle that their attention turns to the Super Falcons next.

“Focus shifts to Nigeria Tue 11 April, 4:00 pm local Wed 12 April, 1:00 NZ,” the Tweet reads

The Super Falcons on the other hand defeated Haiti 2-1 in a friendly on Friday, April 7 at the Emirhan Sports Center.

Esther Okoronkwo and Asisat Oshoala bagged the goals for Nigeria.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will hold in New Zealand and Australia between July 20 and August 20.