Nigeria
Long-time giants of African football, Nigeria will face almost insurmountable odds in their pursuit to escape their group in France. Almost. Looking to shake an arguably unfair tag of being unable to compete at the big international tournament they consistently qualify for, the Nigerian Ladies have much to prove in Group A. The Super Falcons, as they are affectionately known, will have to erase an 8-0 loss to France less than a year ago from their memory and remember their 3-3 draw with Sweden at the last World Cup. If they manage to at least replicate that result against Korea and Norway, two teams ranked lower than the Swedes, then they may just surprise a few.
Not to be taken lightly, the Nigerian team possess an immense presence with pace and physicality. This alongside a touch of flair arguably makes up for a slight lack of structure and skill. A recent strong performance in a close loss against the powerful Canada was a positive for the North West Africans, where they managed to win the first half. However, yet to move past the Group Stage of a World Cup this century, the odds are certainly stacked against the African champions.
PREDICTION: Group: 4th Overall: Out
Fact: Try not to get confused by Nigeria’s front three, Oparanozie, Oshoala and Ordega, the latter two of which managed to score against Sweden in 2015, as well as midfielder Okobi who was named player of the match. This was the first time three players with O at the start of their last name managed to score for one team in one World Cup match (I obviously didn’t check that, although I’m pretty confident it’s true). Add to this squad members Ogbonna, Ohale, Oluehi, Okoronkwo and Ohiaeriaku and you have a commentary nightmare.
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