FIFA WWC: How Well Did The Super Falcons Fair In Ninth World Cup Appearance?

FIFA WWC: How Well Did The Super Falcons Fair In Ninth World Cup Appearance?

By Gbenga Gboyega

The Super Falcons of Nigeria came, saw, and persevered on their 9th appearance at the FIFA Women's World Cup, setting a precedence for good reading following their performance in Australia and New Zealand.

BSNSports.com.ng writes on Nigeria's campaign at the 2023 Women's Mundial following mixed reactions from all centers, as the team still could not go beyond the group stage, after their 1999, and 2019 feats of crossing to the knockouts.

Group B already felt like a battle beyond our reach, as Nigeria were the least ranked side along with the Republic of Ireland (22nd), Canada (7th), and co-host Australia (10th).

A clean sheet, a penalty save, and suffering a last minute dismissal against the Olympic Champions Canada in the opener could only compound the impression made by the Super Falcons, with sight on their next game against the co-host Australia, who were known to be without their talisman Sam Kerr.

Despite the odds of facing the Matildas on their home turf, in front of a massive turnover in attendance (21,410) in a 30,000 capacity Melbourn Rectangular stadium, the Super Falcons through Uchenna, Ohale, and Asisat incredibly did one better than Australia in a five goal thriller.

Although, the game against the Republic of Ireland only needed a point to secure progression to the Round of 16 mathematically, fans felt the Super Falcons failed to clinch a chance of topping Group B by taking the Irish to the cleaners.

But a another stalemate albeit a second clean sheet in three group games was enough for Randy Waldrum's Ladies, as that result led to an imminent clash against the European Champions England who had won their Group with nine points from three games.

Inability to create enough chances and finish the few attempts presented, while continously losing possession in key areas of the game without producing any form of threat from the final third, all culminated to an agonising end of the road for the Nigeria Women Football national team.

BSN Sports rates the Super Falcons 65% for their solidity in defense, and tactical awareness, however citing the shortcomings in attack and ball possession, while commending the tactical improvement evident in the team's defense.