elyte89:



Thanks... Except for miracle and our normal "patriotism ",dis coach hasn't done anything tactically to dis team, forget d lead,we barely had 3 successful passes to each oda,no game control,no chances created,same problem dt was noticed during awcon still persists .I would be marvelled if we surpass d group stage

Bascovanvelli...u dey try o,dey support both eagles and falcons with passion ,abeg pick one struggle

Of what use is stringing 3 passes together when there's no organisation. I think this team has improved a lot. It is no surprises that Canada find it hard to create chances too. Uchenna Kalu is an exciting prospect.

elyte89:



Thanks... Except for miracle and our normal "patriotism ",dis coach hasn't done anything tactically to dis team, forget d lead,we barely had 3 successful passes to each oda,no game control,no chances created,same problem dt was noticed during awcon still persists .I would be marvelled if we surpass d group stage

Bascovanvelli...u dey try o,dey support both eagles and falcons with passion ,abeg pick one struggle

It is not a struggle. It is always a thing of joy to support the GWG.

olapluto:

Of what use is stringing 3 passes together when there's no organisation. I think this team has improved a lot. It is no surprises that Canada find it hard to create chances too. Uchenna Kalu is an exciting prospect.

I get ur point.. But dts alien to our football style,yes deres much improvement in d organization, but we need more of ball possession and creating of goalscoring chances

2nd half starts and Canada bring in veteran striker Sinclair. As she enters, Nigerian goalie shouts to her defenders 'we fear nobody, nothing dey happen'. Good battle ahead.

Well, that didnt last long. Canada equalize.

Free player in the box, and Canada go ahead. 2-1. We became sloppy defensively.

Nigerian coach gets a yellow after complaining about the obviously biased officiating. Its a friendly, but the ref has given every 50-50 to Canada. Probably a shock to the Oyinbo coach who isnt used to his teams getting so much bias from officials. We are used to it here in Nigeria, especially female football referees.

Ajibade, Umotong and Dike getting ready to come on. Things about to get more interesting.

olapluto:
Nigerian coach gets a yellow after complaining about the obviously biased officiating. Its a friendly, but the ref has given every 50-50 to Canada. Probably a shock to the Oyinbo coach who isnt used to his teams getting so much bias from officials. We are used to it here in Nigeria, especially female football referees.

Normal levels. They rank higher than us in FIFA rankings so it’s expected. My opinion though

olapluto:
Nigerian coach gets a yellow after complaining about the obviously biased officiating. Its a friendly, but the ref has given every 50-50 to Canada. Probably a shock to the Oyinbo coach who isnt used to his teams getting so much bias from officials. We are used to it here in Nigeria, especially female football referees.

It's about time we have a coach that won't just stand there are take the rubbish. I honestly don't like this coach but for this he earns some points from me.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria were beaten 2-1 by the fifth best team in the FIFA rankings, Canada at the Pinatar Arena in a pre-World Cup friendly on Monday afternoon.
Manager Thomas Dennerby was missing the services of talented Spanish based duo, Sevilla's Antoinette Payne and Barcelona's Asisat Oshoala for the high-profile game but it was the Nigerian Ladies that made a quick start in Murcia.
Three minutes after Rita Chikwelu was denied by opposition goalkeeper Erin McLeod, striker Desire Oparanozie put Nigeria into the lead with a superb finish after Uchenna Kana had teed her up in the 26th minute.
But the Canadians came roaring out of the blocks after the break, Beckie Janine restoring parity in the 48th minute following a corner quick breakaway.
And seven minutes shy of the hour mark, Sophie Schmidt rose highest to plant a terrific header past Tochukwu Oluchi in the Nigerian goal following a cross from Jayde Riviere to complete the turnaround for the European nation.
Kanu nearly grabbed an equaliser for the Falcons after getting onto the end of a pass from Ngozi Ebere but her effort failed to trouble McLeod.
Nigeria Starting XI Vs Canada : Oluehi, Ohale, Michael, Ebere, Ebi, Imo, Ayinde, Chikwelu, Okobi, Kanu, Oparanozie

I think the Superfalcons tried a bit playing without Asisat Oshoala and Fransisca Ordega upfront...

with this two there would have been a different story due to their experience, energy and pace...
Uchenna Kanu seems to be on top form... starting 2games already..

Schemerkhiz:
I think the Superfalcons tried a bit playing without Asisat Oshoala and Fransisca Ordega upfront...

with this two there would have been a different story due to their experience, energy and pace...
Uchenna Kanu seems to be on top form... starting 2games already..

rants as usual
dem go chop am 4 France

Neimar:


rants as usual
dem go chop am 4 France

Hahaha. I thought the new introductions are supposed to bench them

Neimar:


rants as usual
dem go chop am 4 France

I dey tell u bro

Me Neva c any major changes for dis team wey dis man bring aside a bit of organization

No pattern of play,nothing

This team is improving, but it will seem it is losing its usual attacking flair. It is normal, and for me, expected. The fact that we are so organised, and compact is a very good advantage. If we can keep shape for 90 minutes, and improve fitness, we will cause teams troubles.
Yesterday's game was very good, and defensively we were tested, and we stood tall for most of the match.
Tactically, I think the coach should go to 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 so that we can create more chances while also being defensively strong.

Schemerkhiz:
The Super Falcons of Nigeria were beaten 2-1 by the fifth best team in the FIFA rankings, Canada at the Pinatar Arena in a pre-World Cup friendly on Monday afternoon.
Manager Thomas Dennerby was missing the services of talented Spanish based duo, Sevilla's Antoinette Payne and Barcelona's Asisat Oshoala for the high-profile game but it was the Nigerian Ladies that made a quick start in Murcia.
Three minutes after Rita Chikwelu was denied by opposition goalkeeper Erin McLeod, striker Desire Oparanozie put Nigeria into the lead with a superb finish after Uchenna Kana had teed her up in the 26th minute.
But the Canadians came roaring out of the blocks after the break, Beckie Janine restoring parity in the 48th minute following a corner quick breakaway.
And seven minutes shy of the hour mark, Sophie Schmidt rose highest to plant a terrific header past Tochukwu Oluchi in the Nigerian goal following a cross from Jayde Riviere to complete the turnaround for the European nation.
Kanu nearly grabbed an equaliser for the Falcons after getting onto the end of a pass from Ngozi Ebere but her effort failed to trouble McLeod.
Nigeria Starting XI Vs Canada : Oluehi, Ohale, Michael, Ebere, Ebi, Imo, Ayinde, Chikwelu, Okobi, Kanu, Oparanozie

Eh?!
Uncle did you say “the European nation”?
Canada, European nation? Ok o!

Rosengård signs 18 yo Nigerian international Anam Imo. Imo was recently named Nigerian league MVP and Nigeria's best young player. Rosengård's Sjögran calls her a huge talent, but not yet a starter.

Super Falcons with more to do in Dennerby’s new formation
Fisayo DairoFisayo Dairo April 12, 2019Blogs.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons were in the beautiful service city of Murcia in Spain in the past week where they continued their unprecedented preparation towards this summer’s Women’s World Cup in France. During their stay, Thomas Dennerby’s team attempted to showcase what work the Swede has done in the past months especially the new formation he has introduced them to.

World Number 5 Canada were the Falcons’s friendly foes on Monday at the Pinatar Arena and although the record African champions suffered a 1-2 loss, a remarkable progress was visible as compared to the team’s first major game under the Swede, an 8-0 friendly loss to France just over a year ago.

As would be understood by betting folks, the Falcons, courtesy of Desire Oparanozie’s goal even won a half against a Canadian side yet to lose in 2019 and who turned the game around with a couple of substitutions at half time.

The manner of the goals scored by Canada though is one of key areas where the Falcons must do more in their new look 352 formations if they hope to upturn the bookmakers’ odds in June.

Dennerby earning his pay

Talking of improvements, the most notable aspect of the team’s play – the passing – has greatly improved. I’ve been a keen follower of the women’s national team since 1998 and without any fear to say this; Falcons’ passing and buildup play from the rear on Monday was the best I’ve seen the side in at least nine years – since the 2010 AWCON.

How virtually the same set of players who used to hurriedly get the ball out of around their penalty area regardless of where it lands now have the confidence and mentality to pass around and build slowly is quite fascinating to me and with deserved credit to the expatriate coach.

Passing is an essential ingredient in the game and any team that gets their passing right would have at least solved a fundamental problem which was evident in that game against France as I highlighted in number five of the takeaways from that game.

The team’s switch to a “3-woman” defence since the turn of the year is also noteworthy. It didn’t start quite well in China as they were thumped 4-1 by the Chinese Ladies but they have slowly adapted to the new life which I believe can be a way to surprise the world in France. There is still a lot more to do to get close to perfection of the new formation – which is the main essence of this article – but the initiative on its own has been a productive one for the team.



Falcons’ 352 and present imperfections

I am a big fan of the 352 formation being used by an underdog side. I was one of those that believed Nigeria could have stood a better chance against Croatia at last year’s Men’s World Cup with the 352 they later reverted to against Iceland and Argentina, to great effect too.

Dennerby’s new formation, to a large extent shows that he now knows and understands his players’ abilities better and he also believes they can shock the world in France. I thought they coped well especially in the first half against Canada (with the shape in the picture above) and it showed that they can repeat same against any opposition in the world.

However, I noticed a number of imperfections in the shape that can and must be worked upon:

1. Right wing back Anam Imo playing too up the pitch

For a team that would mostly be the underdogs, you cannot afford your right wing back playing the way Anam Imo did especially in the second half. I felt she played far too up the pitch and this is capable of exposing the back three. Right centre back Osinachi Ohale was arguably Nigeria’s best player on the day and if not for her speed and bravery, Anam’s positioning could’ve caused a great deal of problem for the team.

To put it into proper perspective, Anam is a natural forward and has been playing as a right winger in the Falcons since that 8-0 loss against France but she must be aware that as a wingback now, a 352 should change to 532 when defending. Her overall ball play on the day impressed me though.

2. Ngozi Ebere beside Onome Ebi could be disastrous

Both goals conceded by Nigeria early in the second half came through crosses from Canada’s right flank (Nigeria’s left). That is the area which team captain Ebi plays as left centre back while Ebere who had a stellar AWCON tournament last year played as left wing back.

While Ebere stayed deeper and in position than Anam Imo (as mentioned earlier), her defending was not up to scratch on the day, especially whenever she went into attack. Also, having the oldest member of the squad beside Ebere meant there would be a late catch-up on the balls that bypassed the left wing back. Ebere is absolutely delightful on the ball but her impressive ball work would not benefit the team in the long run if the defensive aspect is as poor as it was on Monday.

Why not Faith Ikidi at left centre back?

I understand that Onome Ebi (a natural right footer)’s good command of both feet could have influenced the decision to play her as left centre back but she will be 36 next month, which means she may not be able to cope (as seen on Monday) with the torrents on the flanks.

Looking further at Ebi’s characteristics, she is the only member of the back three that is gifted and also loves to exhibit her long range of passes, something that easily makes her a good fit for the centre of the back three.

Ikidi who played at the centre against Canada is a natural right back who is also comfortable playing at left back. That to me makes her fitter to play at the Left centre back (LCB) than Onome. Ikidi also loves to take risks such as shielding her ball or dribbling her opponent (as also seen on Monday), something you don’t want the player at your centre to be doing.

With the benefit of hindsight, Ebi could perhaps have won the aerial duel Ikidi lost prior to Canada’s first goal while Ikidi could have done better in closing down the crosses from the right flank.

3. Pressing the opposition

Another function of the modern game which Dennerby seem to have added to the Falcons game is the pressing of the opponents even if it’s still half-hearted. No team can press for the entire ninety minutes in a game but whenever you do, you must do it well.

It was great to see Uchenna Kanu (the first time I’d watch her since the 2014 Under-17 World Cup) but all her productive energy wasted away with her alone trying to press the opponents while Oparanozie also did her own lap. It never brings results, rather weakens the individuals. So, the team must work more on the time and strategy of pressing the opponents as that can also be an integral way of turning over possession in their favour.

4. Set-pieces, crosses, who would deliver Nigeria

From time immemorial, defending set-pieces has always been rocket science for Nigerian teams. From the men’s teams to the women’s teams, this inadequacy has always been portrayed at the global stage. Even Pia Sundhage’s Sweden exploited same when he faced Nigeria at the 2015 Women’s World Cup.

The Canadians troubled the Falcons with each of their corner kicks and crosses on Monday. Each set-play delivery met the Nigerians with an air of uncertainty inside the penalty box, not knowing who to stay with whom or who should deal with the ball. The set-pieces can be a soft target for any of the Falcons’ opposition in France if more resources is not committed into it.

The rest…..

Nigeria played Monday’s friendly without two of their prized attackers – Francisca Ordega and Asisat Oshoala. While that gives the team’s fans some more confidence in the team’s attack, the coach will also grow more grey hairs with the displays of Oparanozie, Kanu and Ini Umotong on how to fit in his indispensable duo.

Another player whose few touches came suggested something interesting was Chinaza Uchendu, a late introduction for Oparanozie. She occupied the role behind the two forwards and showed why she can be a worthy second half outlet whenever Ngozi Okobi is done for the day.

The game against Canada was a great test for what Dennerby has done and is doing and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) can only do better to get them at least one, or two of such friendly games before the tournament starts on June 7, 2019..

Why Dennerby Made Desire Oparanozie Super Falcons Captain
14/04/2019, by Best Choice Sports, in FIFA, News

Super Falcons coach Thomas Dennerby has explained why he had to choose France-based forward Desire Oparanizie to lead the team to France at the World Cup later this year.

Oparanozie got the nod to captain the team after Monday’s international friendly against Canada in Spain which newsmen gather may not go down well with the top guns at the Nigeria Football Federation who wanted Onome Ebi.

Oparanozie got Nigeria’s goal in the first half of the game after profiting from a brilliant pass from Uchenna Kalu.
In an interview, Dennerby stated that he arrived at the conclusion of choosing his captain base on the value the individual placed on her self.

”Oparanozie is disciplined and has good character, she is young and has a longer playing span in the team,” Dennerby said.

The captainship was a controversy at the Awcon finals in Ghana where the team won it. There was a risen dust as to who to lift the trophy between two veterans Rita Chikwelu and Onome Ebi.

With this new formation, I hope the coach will have the intellectual to anti-counter any counter on the formation from strong and tactical teams in the world cup..

The return of Super Zee. Back training with the team.

Oshoala definitely opened the China door for African players.

The Swedish outfit has secured the services of the 18-year-old from Nigeria's domestic side Nasarawa Amazons
Swedish Elitettan side Assi IF has captured
Nigeria midfielder Christy Ucheibe from Nasarawa Amazons on a one-year contract.
The 18-year-old impressed at the 2018 Fifa U20 Women's World Cup in France , even though Nigeria failed to go past the quarter-final stage.
She was also in fine form for her Lafia-based outfit as they finished as the second best team in the 2018 Nigeria Women's Premier League season.
Having passed her medical and unveiled on Tuesday, Ucheibe was handed the team's jersey number 17 for their campaign in the Second Division this season.

Upon her move to Europe, she becomes the third Nigeria U20 player at France 2018 to move abroad after Anam Imo and Rasheedat Ajibade.
Following her first professional career switch from Nigeria, the youngster will hope to help her side secure topflight promotion this term.
Ucheibe has immediately begun training with the Elitettan's side on Tuesday evening, and she is expected to earn her debut against Mallbacken on Monday.
Assi are placed seventh on the Swedish second division log with a point from their opening game and will host Mallbacken at the BillerudKorsnäs Arena. Nigeria midfielder Christy Ucheibe joins Swedish Elitettan side Assi IF

So like play like play Oshoala is one step closer to reaching the champions league finals. They beat Bayern 0-1 in the first leg, home tie this weekend.

Oshoala scored a brace against Sevilla today.

Oshoala scores a brace as she returns to league action.
https://www.nairaland.com/5151740/asisat-oshoala-scores-brace-she#5151740.23

She should be the driving force for the falcons. Oshoala is in form!

Eskilstuna United

Strong season start of versatile Ayinde

A 23-year-old from Nigeria has, after just two matches, already proved to be a strong addition to this year's Eskilstuna United.

- I've got a good start but can't say I'm satisfied. To be that, I also want to contribute to goals, says Halimatu Ayinde.

We start by sorting out the name. Halimatu is the first name and the Ayinde surname - in Nigeria, however, you write the family name first and therefore you can very well see it in reverse order if, for example, you search online.

Tell us a little bit about your background?

- I come from the western parts of Nigeria and are part of a large family with six boys and two girls. My dad is a retired military.

That there was football for Halimatu Ayinde there was never any doubt.

- I loved the sport already from childhood and still feel great passion for football. Unfortunately, the interest in the home country is not very great for the ladies who play, all the focus is on the gentlemen there.

Against Rosengård in the premiere, the midfielder was extremely close to becoming a scorer. Her shot on Julia Tunturi's post went into the bottom of the rib and then bounced right at the finish line but the ball was not considered to have been inside.

Last against Gothenburg, Halimatu Ayinde showed her defensive skills when she changed her edge after the break and effectively slowed down the dangerous Elin Rubensson's race.

- I have completely different roles in the national team compared to in Eskilstuna. When I represent Nigeria I am defensive midfielder and here I have been left or right. But I am versatile and have no favorite position but thrive everywhere and play where I needed.

She describes her greatest strength as the desire to work hard for the team and thus thinks she has got a good start in her new club without being completely satisfied.

The summer World Cup is of course also in the mind look as tight and there Halimatu Ayinde's goal is clear.

- It is that we should move on from the group stage.

Before that the championship starts, a number of matches with Eskilstuna will be cut and the closest task is Växjö at home on Sunday. Still to see which or which roles the Nigerian star gets in that match.

To conclude this interview, of course, just as we did with Fanny Andersson, find out more about who Halimatu Ayinde is beside the plan.

We do this through Five football-free questions:

1. What do you like most about living in Sweden?

- That it is a quiet and peaceful country where everyone is welcomed and accepted as long as one does not do anything criminal. I love Sweden!

2. If you have met with friends, do you appear first, last or somewhere in the middle?

- I'm usually the one who comes last ...

3. If you had to be an animal for a day, which would you choose?

- A dragon, because it symbolizes wisdom and strength.

4. What is your favorite movie and why did you like it so much?

- I like The good, the evil, the ugly for the reason that the film teaches that one should not trust anyone other than himself.

5. Say a personal trait you are proud of and one you are less proud of?

- I am proud that I am so ambitious but do not like that I care a lot about some people who do not care about me...

Ayinde..her ball control ,distribution and finesse is top notch. Anybody knows where Loveth Ayila dey . ?