Super Falcons’ Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, who had a woman of the match outing in Nigeria’s opening game of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup holding in Australia and New Zealand, is hale and hearty, ready for the team’s next game.
Nnadozie, who wore a thigh was bandage during the match against Canada, seemingly aggravated her injury in the course of the match. However, a source in the team’s camp told The Guardian, yesterday that the Paris FC goalkeeper has recovered enough to be fit for the next game.
“Chiamaka has no injury problem; she had her recovery session today and is fit for the next fame,” the source said. Following her outstanding display against Canada, Nnadozie became the big name on everyone’s lips in Brisbane.
With captain Onome Ebi left on the substitutes bench, Coach Randy Waldrum handed the captain’s armband to the calm goal-tender, and she justified the confidence with a sterling performance, including a double save from iconic Christine Sinclair’s penalty kick five minutes into the second period.
According to thenff.com. the Super Falcons have returned to their base in Queensland, looking forward to what would certainly be a most interesting encounter with the Matildas.
“We are in very high spirits, I can tell you,” Ebi told thenff.com on the team’s return to Brisbane. “It is the day after that massive point and we are already looking forward to our second match. The Aussies will not be easy, but we knew before arriving in Australia that no team at this tournament will be easy.”
The players were given the day off yesterday, and only loosened up from the encounter that stunned the North Americans. Even as ever-present Nigeria got a point off the Olympic champions in Melbourne, the Super Falcons still have a number of top performers in their ranks who have not tasted action, and are eager to do the business.
Midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun were massive in the early afternoon at the Rectangular, but suspended regulars Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde are now available for selection, and the versatile Jennifer Echegini and strong forward Desire Oparanozie are also keen to get in on the beat.
“It is a tournament and we have decided to take it one game at a time. We have to go back and correct certain lapses, like how to convert our opportunities. We cannot afford to miss good chances any longer,” defender Osinachi Ohale said at the mixed zone in Melbourne.
Nigeria will square up to the Aussies at the Lang Park Stadium on Thursday (from 11am Nigeria time) with the arena expected to be filled to its 52,000 -capacity.
