₦airaland Forum

AkinDS:
The concern is really not the defense - the concern for me is the midfield (especially with Deltamani bringing up the issue of the red cards which most of us totally forgot about). The key problem is we will be short staffed in the defensive midfield position, which Halimatu Ayinde pretty much owns (and which we are also short on depth and alternate options), as well as a CM midfield position, which Rash Ajibade has owned (even though we do have alternates here).

So, if Chrissy Ucheibe starts and has to be subbed (as she has a propensity to pick up niggling injuries during the game - Morocco and US matches come to mind), who replaces her ?(the depth question).

Again, considering our first two games are against Australia and Canada respectively, we need depth in order for us to have a realistic chance of picking up a minimum of 2 points from both matches, which would enhance our chance of coming in at least 2nd in the group (very doable!).

With 3rd place, you are likely to get one of the big guns which makes the round of 16 a very tall order!

We definitely need a DM as a backup to the options to pick from in Halimatu's and Ajibade's absence. And in trying to think through Randy's recent selections, it made me realize that's probably why he might be taking a chance on Debbie Abiodun and putting her in the mix, especially with her just coming out of the U20WC.

I don’t think that would be much of a big deal, Randy can switch to 3-5-2, 3-4-3 or 4-4-2 which can get Ucheibe and Okobi into the line up with Otu and Echegini been the alternatives from bench..

Esther Okoronkwo can play behind Oshoala and Onumonu upfront like this.. 3-5-2

Again Randy might not throw Demehin in, in a 3-5-2 especially when Onome will be in between Ohale and plumptre
Nnadozie

Ohale —- Onome —- Plumptre

Alozie —- Ucheibe —- Okobi —- Payne

Okoronkwo (Front in between Okobi and Ucheibe)

Onumonu —- Oshoala

Or 4-4-2

Nnadozie

Alozie - Ohale - Plumptre - N. Payne

T. Payne - Ucheibe - Okobi - Ordega

Oshoala - Onumonu


Demehin, Otu, Echegini, Kanu, Okoronkwo from the bench… (Halimatu and Ajibade 🟥 Card)

Kanu to come in for Ordega, Kanu is very effective off the bench like what she did against the US, at least Ordega and drain our opponents defense with her pace for Kanu to come in and run the show..

Onumonu out for Okoronkwo ( A very good changes here)

Echegini can come in for Ordega, Otu 4 Ucheibe..

Deltamani:
I don’t think that would be much of a big deal, Randy can switch to 3-5-2, 3-4-3 or 4-4-2 which can get Ucheibe and Okobi into the line up with Otu and Echegini been the alternatives from bench..

Esther Okoronkwo can play behind Oshoala and Onumonu upfront like this.. 3-5-2

Again Randy might not throw Demehin in, in a 3-5-2 especially when Onome will be in between Ohale and plumptre
Nnadozie

Ohale —- Onome —- Plumptre

Alozie —- Ucheibe —- Okobi —- Payne

Okoronkwo (Front in between Okobi and Ucheibe)

Onumonu —- Oshoala

This setup is problematic in my opinion.

First, Ashleigh doesn't function well in a 3-man defence. The fact that she'll have to cover for Payne of and when she overlaps makes her very vulnerable.

Also, a setup like this aims to take advantage of pace in the wings to drive offence. I just not see that here. Tobi Payne isn't very pacy, and Alozie who has some semblance of pace can be clumsy. She's also not a good crosser of the ball with her final touches suspect. I know it's a makeshift cause of the card issues, but it's a big worry really.

lovewins:
This setup is problematic in my opinion.

First, Ashleigh doesn't function well in a 3-man defence. The fact that she'll have to cover for Payne of and when she overlaps makes her very vulnerable.

Also, a setup like this aims to take advantage of pace in the wings to drive offence. I just not see that here. Tobi Payne isn't very pacy, and Alozie who has some semblance of pace can be clumsy. She's also not a good crosser of the ball with her final touches suspect. I know it's a makeshift cause of the card issues, but it's a big worry really.

In the aspect of Ashleigh plumptre she’s one of our best CB, at Leicester City most time they play 3 Women center back and she’s always on the left…

Through out last season, they played 3 women CB
The Scottish Lady Sofia Howard #15 at RCB, Veteran England Defender Abby McManus #5 at CB and Ashleigh #22 at LCB…

Saying Tony Payne isn’t quick is a joke from you..

lovewins:
This setup is problematic in my opinion.

First, Ashleigh doesn't function well in a 3-man defence. The fact that she'll have to cover for Payne of and when she overlaps makes her very vulnerable.

Also, a setup like this aims to take advantage of pace in the wings to drive offence. I just not see that here. Tobi Payne isn't very pacy, and Alozie who has some semblance of pace can be clumsy. She's also not a good crosser of the ball with her final touches suspect. I know it's a makeshift cause of the card issues, but it's a big worry really.

...Toni Payne is actually quick......, for me i just do not want to see Alozie in defense.

carbonado:
...Toni Payne is actually quick......, for me i just do not want to see Alozie in defense.

Is Tony Payne better than Michelle Alozie at Full Back/Wing Back??

𝖆𝖌𝖇𝖆 𝖇𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖗 💯

1⃣0⃣0⃣ goals in 131 games 💙❤️

Congratulations 💪🥰

Deltamani:
Is Tony Payne better than Michelle Alozie at Full Back/Wing Back??

It depends on what roles they are supposed to play. Payne beats Alozie in that role in my opinion.

First, she moves the ball better and can dribble. Alozie is clumsy at best.

Alozie is more pacy, her final touches however betrays her. She excels more in this than Payne.

They both are average at best when it comes to crossing the ball, Payne has the advantage of the ability of driving the ball in. Alozie however is a better spot kick taker.

Payne is better defensively, I just confess though that Alozie is getting better by the day.

Deltamani:
Is Tony Payne better than Michelle Alozie at Full Back/Wing Back??

..............yes, my opinion is Toni is better than Michelle as regards defense, although it seems Michelle is improving, i still get worried when i see in that defense line.

not 98 ?

Deltamani:
𝖆𝖌𝖇𝖆 𝖇𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖗 💯

1⃣0⃣0⃣ goals in 131 games 💙❤️

Congratulations 💪🥰

AkinDS:
In answering your question, No.

I think the list Randy released for the upcoming Women's Revelation Cup will pretty much make up the squad for the WWC.
Three people who were not on the list and who will likely be considered are Nicole Payne, Debbie Ajibola and Gift Monday.
Nicole has had more activity over the past year (National team and USC) - close to 20 games... Zogg has been injured for the most part.

Realistically, I really don't see any 'outsider' (i.e. anyone who hasn't been a part of the team in the last year, of which Zogg is) making the final squad.

Anyway Zogg have been playing since December last year, hopefully she will get to full fitness soon..

isan:
not 98 ?

100 goals.. Barcelona just posted it on their page..

Chinwendu Ihezuo 25yrs.. (LW/CF) returns to the team brings more competition to the Left Wing forward..

No way she’s playing no.9 when Ifeoma Onumonu, Asisat Oshoala is there.

Deltamani:
Chinwendu Ihezuo 25yrs.. (LW/CF) returns to the team brings more competition to the Left Wing forward..

No way she’s playing no.9 when Ifeoma Onumonu, Asisat Oshoala is there.

This is the only surprise for me on the list. Really haven't followed her but I'm aware she spent last season in China together with Oparanozie and can't really point at anything fantastic she did there (I stand corrected). Let's see how it goes sha.

BTW, happy she got a move to Mexico. Hoping more Nigerian players consider the Mexico route.

lovewins:
This is the only surprise for me on the list. Really haven't followed her but I'm aware she spent last season in China together with Oparanozie and can't really point at anything fantastic she did there (I stand corrected). Let's see how it goes sha.

BTW, happy she got a move to Mexico. Hoping more Nigerian players consider the Mexico route.

Ihezuo have been one of Nigeria standout player right from her U17 days but right now i can’t say she’s at the level we used to rate her but good enough for the Superfalcons… She already spent about or more than 3years in China.. At 25 she should be able to bring back that firepower we know her for in one of the Developing and hottest league in the North American region.. Most of the NCAA College graduates are already heading to Mexico 🇲🇽

Onyi Echegini back to training with Florida State University….
Wants to play additional year? 5th or just to keep fit against her Pro Move or Superfalcons..

The school year is not over yet. Fall semester is when they play for the NCAA tournament. Spring semester (now) is off season training, which is what she is doing now. It keeps the players fit all season long.

Deltamani:
Onyi Echegini back to training with Florida State University….
Wants to play additional year? 5th or just to keep fit against her Pro Move or Superfalcons..

Her selection was a surprise, considering she really hasn't lit up the Chinese league.
Realized it may have been a convenient selection, considering she supposedly moved to Rayadas Monterrey (even though she is not listed on the team's website and there is no news of her transfer to the club).
Considering she is a like-for-like replacement for Uchenna Kanu, and hardly played last year in China due to their COVID issues, it will probably be a very tall order for her to make the final WC squad (UNLESS she blows up and dominates during this friendly tournament).

Deltamani:
Ihezuo have been one of Nigeria standout player right from her U17 days but right now i can’t say she’s at the level we used to rate her but good enough for the Superfalcons… She already spent about or more than 3years in China.. At 25 she should be able to bring back that firepower we know her for in one of the Developing and hottest league in the North American region.. Most of the NCAA College graduates are already heading to Mexico 🇲🇽

My assesment is that the super Falcons is most balanced defensively. The combination of Ohale, Ashleigh, Demehin and Onome leave nothing to worry about. The full back position isn't perfect, but it's something we can work with.

The midfield however leaves room for worry. While Halimatu and Christy provides cater to the defensive and ball holding skill needed in the center, we really do not have anyone convincing enough to help link up play between midfield and attack, provide the necessary passes needed and fulfil attacking role where needed. Onyi is one person I think can grow into this role, but does she have the required confidence to step up? Will Randy even give her the chance? Time will tell.

In attack, Kanu and Ajibade provides the pace and skill needed at the flank. Kanu especially has goal scoring ability and that's just refreshing. Ajibade, needs to work on her crosses, all her runs will become useless is her final balls are nothing to write home about.

Asisat obviously has scored a lot of goals this season, she'll likely surpass her 20 goal record of last season. She however isn't very clinical, especially with 1v1 chances. This needs to be worked on. The alternative will be trying to play her from the flanks as she surprisingly is a better passer of the ball.

Monday Gift shouldn't have been left out in my opinion. She's is one person you need when you want to play a line striker up front. She did this for us against Morocco during the just concluded WAFCON, it was refreshing to see her so it again a few days ago against Barcelona.

I'll cut Onumonu some slack, she didn't have a fantastic season last year, that probably rubbed off on her play for the falcons. I still believe she has great potentials and can't wait to see her unravel.

AkinDS:
The school year is not over yet. Fall semester is when they play for the NCAA tournament. Spring semester (now) is off season training, which is what she is doing now. It keeps the players fit all season long.

I get now, just waiting to see her next move concerning Playing Pro..

Deltamani:
Chinwendu Ihezuo 25yrs.. (LW/CF) returns to the team brings more competition to the Left Wing forward..

No way she’s playing no.9 when Ifeoma Onumonu, Asisat Oshoala is there.

Whatever Randy is planning, he should have it at the back of his mind that Ifeoma isn't indispensable. Infact, I'm worried we don't have a good number 9. His AWCON outing was poor. She was slow and her poor touches let us down at the final third several times. If Chiwendu can show her worth at this revelation cup, she should get the nod IMO provided Ify still shows no sign of improvement.

AkinDS:
Her selection was a surprise, considering she really hasn't lit up the Chinese league.
Realized it may have been a convenient selection, considering she supposedly moved to Rayadas Monterrey (even though she is not listed on the team's website and there is no news of her transfer to the club).
Considering she is a like-for-like replacement for Uchenna Kanu, and hardly played last year in China due to their COVID issues, it will probably be a very tall order for her to make the final WC squad (UNLESS she blows up and dominates during this friendly tournament).

She played well last season, her club Finished 7th last season where scored just 6 league goals but I can’t tell the number of games she played out of the supposed 18 league games…

All the invited players in the Forward position would want to take their chances cause none of them would like to miss out… As for Ihezuo she isn’t that exciting right now at same time her call up to me wasn’t something i was expecting…

Talking of her being a Like to like replacement for Uchenna Kanu is another tougher hurdle cause they have Esther Okoronkwo to battle for a starting spot with.. Again an Inform Fransisca Ordega is unplayable, if Ordega gets back to her usual form she may likely get her starting spot from either of the Flank..

lovewins:
My assesment is that the super Falcons is most balanced defensively. The combination of Ohale, Ashleigh, Demehin and Onome leave nothing to worry about. The full back position isn't perfect, but it's something we can work with.

The midfield however leaves room for worry. While Halimatu and Christy provides cater to the defensive and ball holding skill needed in the center, we really do not have anyone convincing enough to help link up play between midfield and attack, provide the necessary passes needed and fulfil attacking role where needed. Onyi is one person I think can grow into this role, but does she have the required confidence to step up? Will Randy even give her the chance? Time will tell.

In attack, Kanu and Ajibade provides the pace and skill needed at the flank. Kanu especially has goal scoring ability and that's just refreshing. Ajibade, needs to work on her crosses, all her runs will become useless is her final balls are nothing to write home about.

Asisat obviously has scored a lot of goals this season, she'll likely surpass her 20 goal record of last season. She however isn't very clinical, especially with 1v1 chances. This needs to be worked on. The alternative will be trying to play her from the flanks as she surprisingly is a better passer of the ball.

Monday Gift shouldn't have been left out in my opinion. She's is one person you need when you want to play a line striker up front. She did this for us against Morocco during the just concluded WAFCON, it was refreshing to see her so it again a few days ago against Barcelona.

I'll cut Onumonu some slack, she didn't have a fantastic season last year, that probably rubbed off on her play for the falcons. I still believe she has great potentials and can't wait to see her unravel.

The Attacking Midfield Position is something to worry about, Okobi is no longer Okobi if not we would have been talking about who will serve as substitute for her…

Onyi Echegini is the best to pick on in that Attacking Midfield position, She’s quick, Strong, Skillful and an excellent passer of the ball.. but again she’s Young, and I don’t think Randy will give her the chance to showcase her prowess…

Onyi had a great season 21 games, 11 goals, 6 Assists, though she played from the Left Flank but in most cases drafted into the AM position..

While I was watching their games this past season, I can tel you that she’s a Star, I could see the potentials in her but again will Randy give this Young lad the room to excel…?

mostob:
Whatever Randy is planning, he should have it at the back of his mind that Ifeoma isn't indispensable. Infact, I'm worried we don't have a good number 9. His AWCON outing was poor. She was slow and her poor touches let us down at the final third several times. If Chiwendu can show her worth at this revelation cup, she should get the nod IMO provided Ify still shows no sign of improvement.

One major boost for me is the return of Esther Okoronkwo, I think most Nigerian haven’t really spot that girls capabilities yet… Pace, Power, Skills and Finishing.. Just Check out this shot clip of Esther Okoronkwo moves

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeCkdxbjw_E/?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=

Deltamani:
The Attacking Midfield Position is something to worry about, Okobi is no longer Okobi if not we would have been talking about who will serve as substitute for her…

Onyi Echegini is the best to pick on in that Attacking Midfield position, She’s quick, Strong, Skillful and an excellent passer of the ball.. but again she’s Young, and I don’t think Randy will give her the chance to showcase her prowess…

Onyi had a great season 21 games, 11 goals, 6 Assists, though she played from the Left Flank but in most cases drafted into the AM position..

While I was watching their games this past season, I can tel you that she’s a Star, I could see the potentials in her but again will Randy give this Young lad the room to excel…?

Randy will be the fool not to give her the chance. Like you rightly said, she's the one I seriously think will fill that role. Only a novice will make age a factor in football today (which also signals high level incompetence). Claudia Pina and Salma Paralluelo are some of the best Barcelona has got. They are both 21 and 19 respectively. The difference is that they have coaches who believe in them and have inspired in them the confidence required to take on the challenge and grow into their roles. Onyi obviously has the potential, she needs confidence which comes with more playing time and Randy's faith in her.

mostob:
Whatever Randy is planning, he should have it at the back of his mind that Ifeoma isn't indispensable. Infact, I'm worried we don't have a good number 9. His AWCON outing was poor. She was slow and her poor touches let us down at the final third several times. If Chiwendu can show her worth at this revelation cup, she should get the nod IMO provided Ify still shows no sign of improvement.

It's the reason I withheld judgment on Ifeoma. I am cutting her some slack cause she also didn't have a fantastic season (her club finished last and didn't make the playoffs). Hoping she reinvents and bring something to the table during the forthcoming competition. But like you said, no sacred cows, she isn't indispensable. We still have a no 9 challenge in my opinion sha. Reason I was rooting for Roosa to at least be given a chance, seeing she's having a fantastic season. Not saying she's the answer, but at the very least, we get to check her out.

lovewins:
Randy will be the fool not to give her the chance. Like you rightly said, she's the one I seriously think will fill that role. Only a novice will make age a factor in football today (which also signals high level incompetence). Claudia Pina and Salma Paralluelo are some of the best Barcelona has got. They are both 21 and 19 respectively. The difference is that they have coaches who believe in them and have inspired in them the confidence required to take on the challenge and grow into their roles. Onyi obviously has the potential, she needs confidence which comes with more playing time and Randy's faith in her.

Just go and watch the return leg of Nigeria vs USA game again, the first half Onyi played, I was over impressed with her as a Collegiate …


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaoDP9wRsyQ

Deltamani:
One major boost for me is the return of Esther Okoronkwo, I think most Nigerian haven’t really spot that girls capabilities yet… Pace, Power, Skills and Finishing.. Just Check out this shot clip of Esther Okoronkwo moves

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeCkdxbjw_E/?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=

I'm also looking forward to her game. She seems to be a real deal.

lovewins:
It's the reason I withheld judgment on Ifeoma. I am cutting her some slack cause she also didn't have a fantastic season (her club finished last and didn't make the playoffs). Hoping she reinvents and bring something to the table during the forthcoming competition. But like you said, no sacred cows, she isn't indispensable. We still have a no 9 challenge in my opinion sha. Reason I was rooting for Roosa to at least be given a chance, seeing she's having a fantastic season. Not saying she's the answer, but at the very least, we get to check her out.

Agreed. Her poor performance then was even the reason why I was calling for Randy to play MacLean. Even though, we lack strikers, Ifeoma is not indispensable.

Deltamani:
One major boost for me is the return of Esther Okoronkwo, I think most Nigerian haven’t really spot that girls capabilities yet… Pace, Power, Skills and Finishing.. Just Check out this shot clip of Esther Okoronkwo moves

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeCkdxbjw_E/?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=

How did I miss this in my assesment?

You can say this over an again. Esther Okoronkwo is a big plus for the team. Pacy, skillful, cunning etc. Really hoping she grows in fitness.

mostob:
Agreed. Her poor performance then was even the reason why I was calling for Randy to play MacLean. Even though, we lack strikers, Ifeoma is not indispensable.

MacLeans sadly didn't take advantage of the opportunity given her.

Deltamani:
… As for Ihezuo she isn’t that exciting right now at same time her call up to me wasn’t something i was expecting…

I had to go watch videos of her in YouTube and I wasn't impressed one bit. Will give her the benefit of doubt though.