The Super Falcons of Nigeria will be set for action when they take on 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts Australia in their Group B encounter at the Lang Park in Brisbane on Thursday.
The African giants are off the back of a goalless draw with Canada in their opener while Australia defeated Ireland 1-0 to take early command of the group.
Victory for the Matildas will see them through to the Round of 16 while the Falcons will be in dire need of three points after Canada defeated Ireland 2-1 on Wednesday.
The game will however be headlined by a number of key players being absent.
Injuries and suspension
Nigeria
The Super Falcons will be without Deborah Abiodun after receiving a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Ashley Lawrence in the game against Canada. It will be a big blow for the Falcons as she was solid defensively before getting sent off.
The duo of Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde however return after serving their suspension from red cards they received during Nigeria’s bronze medal match against Zambia at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Star forward Asisat Oshoala is a doubt after receiving a knock in training. It could pave way for Desire Oparanozie to return to the side after sitting out the first game against Canada due to injury.
Australia
The Matildas will have to do without captain Sam Kerr who is nursing a calf injury, Kyah Simon with a knee injury as well as Mary Fowler and Aivi Luik who suffered concussions in training.
Head to Head
Nigeria and Australia have only faced each other once which was during the group stage of the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada. The Matildas won 2-0 on that occasion thanks to Simon’s brace.
Australia finished Group D in second place behind the United States while the Super Falcons finished last with a solitary point.
What the managers said
Nigeria coach, Randy Waldrum
“We have to be smart about Australia, they are very good on the counter-attack and they have great team speed especially in the wide areas, so one thing they are willing to do is to let you attack so they have space to counter-attack you.
“We have to find that balance of attacking more and trying to more opportunities but being smart about we go about doing that because we don’t want to leave ourselves open too much defensively.
“They are so dangerous so you don’t go forward so quickly. These are the few things we are working on to get ready for them.”
Australia coach, Tony Gustavsson
“Sometimes you’re unlucky and you need to deal with the cards you’re handed and we’re ready to play those cards.
“We have a lot of attacking options still in the roster. But this team have also showed that we’re very adaptable.
“So we might have a different profile of a player but we’re still going to have the same identity – we might have a different formation, we’re still going to have the same identity.”
Watch Australia vs Nigeria live on Afrosport TV across Nigeria, Channel 730 on Free TV or stream online via VIDIVU TV
