Nigeria’s Super Falcons Face Uphill Battle as Oluwatosin Demehin Withdraws from France Friendly
A setback has struck the Nigerian women’s national team, the Super Falcons, as Galatasaray defender Oluwatosin Demehin has been forced to withdraw from their upcoming friendly match against France. The 19-year-old suffered an injury during a recent league match, leaving interim head coach Justine Madugu with a reduced squad for the encounter.
The friendly match, scheduled for Saturday at the Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, marks the fourth meeting between Nigeria and France, with the French team holding a 3-0 advantage in their previous encounters. Kick-off is set for 9:30 PM Nigeria time.
With Demehin’s absence, the coaching staff faces a stern test in reconfiguring the team’s defense. The likely options include pairing veteran Osinachi Ohale with either Rofiat Imuran from England or Sikiratu Isah, with Michelle Alozie and Ashley Plumptre taking on the wing-back roles. Shukurat Oladipo could also step in at centre-back.
In the midfield, Madugu has a talented roster at her disposal, featuring Christy Ucheibe from Portugal, England’s Toni Payne, and France-based Jennifer Echegini, who scored the Super Falcons’ only goal in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France this summer. Home-based talents Adoo Yina and Josephine Mathias will contribute to the team’s strength in this area.
In the absence of captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who is sidelined with an injury, the onus falls on the Spain-based duo of Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide to lead the attack. They will be joined by local star Mercy Omokwo, along with Blessing Nkor and Ifeoma Onumonu.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has organized a tremendous show of support for the team, with President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Women’s Football Committee Chairperson Aisha Falode, and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi expected to attend the match.
