Credit: NFF
Two powerhouses of African women’s football, Nigeria and Cameroon, are gearing up for a highly anticipated clash in Douala on Friday. The match is a crucial fixture in the African qualifying series for the upcoming Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in Paris.
The Nigerian Super Falcons, currently Africa’s top-rated team, are in high spirits following their impressive performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.
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Despite exiting the tournament in the Round of 16, the Super Falcons did not lose a match in regulation time.
However, they have not forgotten that the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon halted their journey to the London 2012 Olympics.
Meanwhile, the Cameroonian Lionesses have their grievances, having been defeated by Nigeria in several key events.
This includes missing out on the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2016 and being knocked out in the quarter-finals of the last Women’s AFCON tournament in Morocco.
Coach Randy Waldrum has made strategic decisions for the Super Falcons, recalling defender Ashley Plumptre and fielding a strong midfield trio of Halimatu Ayinde, Toni Payne, and Christy Ucheibe, along with the talented youngster Deborah Abiodun.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is highly respected globally, while their attacking lineup, featuring Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday, and Esther Okoronkwo, is considered one of the best in women’s football.
Captain Ajibade was instrumental in Nigeria’s recent victories, scoring two goals against Ethiopia and contributing to the win over Cape Verde in the qualifiers for the Women’s AFCON championship.
Cameroon, who narrowly defeated Uganda in the second round, will be without star player Ajara Njoya Nchout. Nevertheless, they are expected to put up a strong fight on their home turf.
The winner of this clash will face South Africa or Tanzania in the next round, with the ultimate goal of securing one of the African tickets to the Paris Olympics in July.
Can you guess the result of the match?
