Nigeria’s Super Falcons will look to secure a place in the quarter-finals stage of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France when they take on former champions Germany today (Saturday) in their Round of 16 encounter at the Stade des Alpes, Grenoble, reports Completesports.com.
The Falcons sneaked through to the knockout stage of the competition after picking a slot as one of the four best third-placed teams.
It is the first time the West Africans are playing in the knockout round in 20 years. The last time Super Falcons reached thee FIFA Women’s World Cup knockout stage was when the United States of America hosted it in 1999. Brazil knocked out the Super Falcons in the quarter-finals of then 16-team tournament 4-3, through a golden goal.
African champions, the Super Falcons, will be without the key duo of Ngozi Ebere and Rita Chikwelu in today’s clash.
Left-back Ebere, who has performed admirably for the Super Falcons in the competition was sent off in the 1-0 loss to France – their last Group A game, while Chikwelu picked her second booking of the competition against Les Bleues and will now have to serve the mandatory one-match suspension.
There are also doubts on the fitness of star forward Asisat Oshoala who limped out as a result of hamstring injury in the closing minutes of the game against France.
Germany who have won the Women’s World Cup twice are one of the favourites to clinch the title, but Falcons head coach Thomas Dennerby insists his ladies have what it takes to beat the Europeans.
“I think the Nigerian team is definitely so much better than the ranking. Everyone can see from our performances that we are not acting like a team ranked 38,” Dennerby said.
“It’s a good team. We can play any team between 10 to 20 and win the game. And play very close games with the 10 best also. So yes, we are a world-class team.”
The game will kick-off at 4.30pm Nigerian time.
By Adeboye Amosu
12 Comments
That’s the spirit,coachy….
Dont lie to ourself go and carry your bags this the terminus for us. the good history will end tonight unfortunately. This German team is like the engine machine there is no way we can beat them even to score a singul goal. You already make us proud thanks a lot falcon and coaches
@mister where is your faith? haba only believe ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE to him that believe.
I think it’s the end of the road for the falcons.
@mister or mrs u call ur self Ara gbawaa gi onu,ewu mozambique,enemy of progress,idiot,u must pack ur bag to ur nearest hospital after the match,up nija, go SF go
Lol@ubah…. Leave am abeg, he seems to be a ghananian. U know they are known for jealousing naija.
Hahahaha @oakfield that idiot don vex me,na which kind talk be that one
Lol! Or a South African, u know say Germany trounced them the other day.. Lol
So many are Nigerian’s for. Why Africans are after Nigerians down fall? God give the enemies of Nigeria their own wishes to worship till death do them part by fire. Amen. God bless Nigeria. I love
I like this Coach. A very positive fellow.
We may not win it (and we may win it!), but I am confident our girls will give a good account of themselves like they have done so far.
Go Super Falcons!
Super Falcons turn up. you can do it
Please super falcons dont allow the Germans to intimidate you with their heights which is one of their potent weapon, block their balls from being crossed into the eighteen yard box if possible. Dont give away unnecessary corner kicks and free kicks they are good in the air. Am envisaging a surprise victory for the Super Falcons. Go Girls