It is great to see how positive the Super Falcons are responding to this double header friendlies against Canada by hitting the camp in encouraging numbers. At least 17 players are in camp.
These games will offer a unique opportunity to see how well the Super Falcons are fairing under American Randy Waldrum.
Certain players like Plumptre and Alozie are still settling into their left full back roles for Nigeria. Plumptre, who scored an own goal against Arsenal in the WSL last weekend, plays centre back for Leicester while Alozie is being transitioned to play at right full back having originally been a center forward.
Plumptre put in a committed shift against Ivory Coast in February’s double header qualifiers but struggled with the weather and the physicality of the African game. Playing in Canada will offer the chance to see her in a familiar territory against familiar western foes.
One thing that Waldrum is doing so well is blending: blending youth with experience and blending indigenous and foreign breed of players to devastating effects.
This betokens well for the immediate future of the Super Falcons.
Recently, if media reports are to be believed, there appears to be some slight rancour in the team.
Oparanozie was recently relieved of the captaincy and the same fate has just befallen the temperamental Asisat Oshoala.
Some controversial media outlets claimed that Oshoala said the incumbent captain had cursed the captain armband so that anyone who wears it will not perform well on the pitch.
It will be up to Randy and his management team to manage this and other murmurs so that the red mist does not fully decend across the team.
Any disgruntled team members who refuses to be pacified, no matter how high her profile is, should be jettisoned without so much of a wave goodbye before spreading a cancer of discontent across the rest. The Super Falcons is bigger than any one player; no player is indispensable particularly in Waldrum’s dispensation.
The Super Falcons are on a precipice towards further advancement, nothing and no player should be allowed to derail it.
Waldrum’s overly pragmatic approach hasn’t particularly won everyone over but he is winning matches and that is all that matters.
I will still love to see a little bit more injection of flair and flamboyance but never at the expense of grinding out results.
The Super Falcons come into the friendlies with the wind in their sails having recorded 4 wins and 2 losses from their last 6 games. Olympics champions Canada have been a little less impressive with 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 games.
The first game against Canada will be played around 3:00 am Nigeria time tonight. It promises to be an exciting encounter.
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