Super Falcons caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has highlighted the versatility within his squad, revealing that goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is capable of playing as a centre-back.
The Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper kept a clean sheet as Nigeria defeated Comoros 2-0 in the first leg of their second-round tie in the 2028 Olympic qualifying series on Friday in Ikenne-Remo.
After a goalless first half, Michelle Alozie broke the deadlock three minutes after the restart with a close-range finish before Uchenna Kanu sealed the victory with a headed goal on the hour mark.
In the absence of Oluwatosin Demehin and following Osinachi Ohale's international retirement, Eguavoen opted to use Christy Ucheibe at centre-back, despite the midfielder usually operating in the middle of the park for the Super Falcons.
Responding to a question about whether Ucheibe could continue playing in central defence, the manager's assessment of Nnadozie was the unexpected talking point.
"It's very possible because we are blessed. My philosophy is that for a player to be able to play for us, because it's not a one-woman team, you must be able to play more than one position, which is an added advantage," Eguavoen said at the post-match press conference.
"Unfortunately, Demehin is not here. Osinachi has retired, despite the fact that I tried to convince her, but she had already made up her mind, so we have to respect that.
"Ucheibe dropping into the position, we also talked about it. She has all the qualities to play more than one position.
"In fact, the entire team can play more than one position. That's the advantage we have. So, it's a blessing for Nigeria.
"She (Nnadozie) can play centre back. If you see what she does with the ball during training, she can."
Nnadozie began her football journey as a striker before making the switch to goalkeeping.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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