International Friendly: French coach wary of Super Falcons threat
French coach Laurent Boandei said his team would not underestimate the Super Falcons when they clash on Saturday in an international friendly in Angers, France.
Baoandei is preparing his team for the UEFA Women’s Euro Championship in Switzerland next year, and the Super Falcons will play in the Africa Women's Cup of Nations in July 2025.
“Nigeria were at the Olympics, where Spain only won 1-0 against them, but also at the World Cup, where they lost in the round of 16 against England, 0-0, 2-4 on penalties. They are a solid team, with powerful and fast players.,” Bonadei told L’Equipe.
“It is a tough team block to maneuver. We will have to attack them while being vigilant on transitions. We must take advantage of their imbalances, also, on counter-pressing.”
Midfielder Sandie Toletti, also added: “I’ve played alongside players in Spain. It will be a fight; they are very physical. They play in the biggest European clubs or in the United States. It will be tough.”
The match comes up inside the 18,000-capacity Stade Raymond Kopa – the home ground of Ligue 1 side Angers SCO, which was opened in 1912 and renovated seven years ago.
Madugu and his charges are set to have the official training session at the match venue on Friday evening, with the Coach robbed of a defender following injury to Turkey-based dependable centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin.
Both teams last clashed nearly five-and-half years ago, when the Super Falcons needed a result to progress to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals. Hosts France edged the tie by the odd goal, after Wendie Renard’s twice-taken penalty kick with 11 minutes left on the clock.
The defeat notwithstanding, the Super Falcons made the Round of 16 as results in another pool weighed in their favour, while France finished top of their group with a maximum of nine points from three matches.
On Saturday night, Madugu will have to decide which of England-based Rofiat Imuran and home-girl Sikiratu Isah will pair veteran Osinachi Ohale at the heart of the defence, with Michelle Alozie and returning Ashley Plumptre expected to man the wing-back positions. Madugu may also decide to use another home-girl, Shukurat Oladipo in her accustomed centre-back position.
Portugal-based Christy Ucheibe, England-based Toni Payne and France-based Jennifer Echegini (who scored Nigeria’s only goal at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France this summer) are available in the middle, alongside home-based professionals Adoo Yina and Josephine Mathias.
At the fore, with Captain Rasheedat Ajibade also not in Angers as a result of injury, much will be expected of the Spain-based duo of Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide, with home-girl Mercy Omokwo, as well as Egypt-based Blessing Nkor and France-based Ifeoma Onumonu, also available.
