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Nigeria Super Falcons take on co-hosts of the FIFAWWC Australia in search of Africa's first win at the competition.
Nigeria Super Falcons are set for their second game at the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup, FIFAWWC, in New Zealand and Australia.
On Thursday morning, the Super Falcons go head-to-head with one of the favourites in Group B and co-hosts, Australia, at the Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane.
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Australia’s Matildas are looking to build on their win against the Republic of Ireland from their tournament opener while Nigeria hopes for another positive outing after holding Olympic champions Canada to a goalless affair.
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08:43 - 26.07.2023
Australia Vs Nigeria: 3 key reasons why Super Falcons will miss 'female Kante' Deborah Abiodun
With starlet Deborah Abiodun set to miss the Super Falcons' second group game against Australia, here are three important reasons why Nigeria will struggle without her
The home side is aware just a win will be enough to get them a step closer to their goal and Nigeria will be looking to halt their stride despite the potential for another record crowd backing the co-hosts.
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Ahead of that decisive encounter, Pulse Sports Nigeria has picked five Super Falcons stars who can inspire Nigeria to a shock win against the Matildas.
Australia vs Nigeria: The 5 Falcons led by Oshoala
1. Asisat Oshoala
Nigeria’s superstar player Oshoala remains the one Super Falcons who commands the most attention in the team.
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09:13 - 26.07.2023
Super Falcons: Blow for Nigeria as Oshoala is set to miss Australia clash
The Super Falcons are set to be without two key players for their all-important clash against Australia on Thursday.
The 2023 FIFAWWC has started on a quiet note for the Barcelona Femeni forward, with her performance against Canada in the opener a key talking point amongst Nigerians.
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Oshoala, 28, is also reportedly a huge doubt for the clash against the co-hosts but there is a glimmer of hope the multiple African Women’s Player of the Year winner will still be able to shake off the knock for the game.
Nigerians are optimistic that Oshoala will kick on from game two and that her presence on the pitch remains vital for the Super Falcons.
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2. Uchenna Kanu
This fixture against Australia might be a good time to see Uche Kanu get a starting berth for the Falcons.
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Kanu has remained a bit-part player in the Falcons despite her immerse ability which she showed a glimpse of against Canada.
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20:28 - 25.07.2023
5 things to know about Canada’s Quinn, the FIFA World Cup’s first transgender and non-binary player
Meet Canada's Quinn, the first transgender and non-binary player at the FIFA World Cup who shackled the Super Falcons' midfield
The USA-based winger came off the bench against the Olympic champions and was an immediate breath of fresh her with her dribbling ability which injected urgency into the Falcons' attack.
3. Chiamaka Nnadozie
You do not require a seer to understand why goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie will be a key player against the Matildas.
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The 22-year-old has already laid down a marker in that opener against Canada.
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06:15 - 21.07.2023
Super Falcons: Nigerians praise Nnadozie for penalty, Abiodun despite red card
Nigerians praise Chiamaka Nnadozie and Deborah Abiodun after Super Falcons a draw against Canada.
Apart from her penalty heroics, the France-based super pair of safe hands proved valuable for Nigeria with an incredible command of her aerial space.
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Nigeria will need her to be at her absolute best once again to stand a real chance against the solid Australians.
4. Desire Oparanozie
Another player who can make a positive impact on Nigeria is Desire Oparanozie.
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The former skipper of the team is yet to play in the 2023 FIFAWWC and could finally make her entrance against Australia.
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19:06 - 25.07.2023
Super Falcons: South Korea's Casey Phair breaks star Ifeanyi Chiejine’s 24-year-old record
Cassey Phair came off the bench to make history in South Korea’s FIFA Women’s World Cup clash against Colombia.
Based in China, the 29-year-old remains an impactful player, With her all-action style, Oparanozie could step in if Oshoala fails to pass a late fitness test for the game.
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20:07 - 06.07.2023
Waldrum hails Oparanozie, 3 other Super Falcons who stood up to NFF
Super Falcons' coach Randy Waldrum has hailed four brave players for daring to stand up the NFF during his reign as coach
5. Rasheedat Ajibade
The return of Atletico Madrid’s Rasheedat Ajibade means coach Randy Waldrum is the happiest man in Australia at the moment.
Ajibade was a big miss again the Canadians following her suspension for a red card against Morocco at the WAFCON.
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But she is back and ready to go and I expect to see her start against the Matildas.
At 23, the Atleti superstar is easily Nigeria’s biggest threat going forward outside Oshoala.
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