Nigeria are safely through to the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup following their goalless draw with Republic of Ireland on Monday, the first of the African teams to book their passage in this tournament. They finish second in their pool and are likely to face Group D leaders England in the next round, which will be a huge test of coach Randy Waldrum’s side.
SuperSport.com takes a look at five players who shone in the pool stages, where the Super Falcons were unbeaten in their three games. CHIAMAKA NNADOZIE The goalkeeper was outstanding in the first two games, including what has turned out to be a crucial penalty save against Canada in their 0-0 draw. Had the Canadians won that game it would be they advancing to the next stage. Nnodozie has been described as one of the best in the world by Waldrum and is living up to that billing, though she was less impressive against the Irish, with a couple of shaky moments and some poor decision-making. She will be a big player in the knockout rounds. OSINACHI OHALE Ohale has been a rock at the back for Nigeria, as evidenced by the fact they kept clean-sheets against Canada and Ireland. Even in the game against co-hosts Australia, where Nigeria won 3-2, Ohale was superb in repelling a barrage of attacks from the home side. She grabbed a vital goal in that game too. The 31-year-old has bags of experience after years playing in the United States, Sweden, Italy and Spain. Coincidentally she was a player for Waldrum at Houston Dash in 2014 before leaving the following year. TONI PAYNE The midfielder has been a stabilizing influence in the centre of the park for the Super Falcons, showing all of her experience. Winning the midfield goes a long way to winning the game and Nigeria have been strong in not allowing themselves to be over-run. USA-born Payne has been a big part of that, though it is no surprise after several excellent seasons at Spanish side Sevilla. She has also previously played for Ajax Amsterdam. ASISAT OSHOALA Talisman Oshoala is not fully fit, Waldrum has been the first to admit that, but she has played 183 minutes in the pool stages and continued to look the part. She scored against Australia and was full of running versus the Irish until she left the pitch just past the hour-mark. The Barcelona star has had her game-time managed with a view to her being more influential in the knockout rounds as Nigeria will certainly need her. UCHENNA KANU Kanu has been a constant thorn for opponents up front for Nigeria, scoring against Australia and coming oh so close to the winner against the Irish. Only an unbelievable save stopped her from opening the scoring with a header. She has pace, is strong and has an eye for a pass, as well as the goal. She is sometimes used off the bench, but always a threat when on the pitch. She is also a teammate of Banyana Banyana’s Thembi Kgatlana and Racing Louisville in the United States. Those two must be some sight when on the pitch together!
){kind=link}
