France Coach: Nigeria Are A Great Team Even Though We Beat Them 8-0

Published: December 09, 2018

France, host of the 2019 Women's World Cup from June 7 to July 7, will play against Norway, South Korea and Nigeria in Group A, according to the draw held Saturday at the Seine Musicale (Boulogne-Billancourt)

Despite France being the third ranked nation in the FIFA ranking, The Blues manager Corinne Diacre has emphasized that they have to be wary of their three opponents in the group stage.

The Super Falcons were humiliated 8-0 in an international friendly against the French team at MMArena (Le Mans) on April 6 and it wasn't a weakened side presented by the African champions.

Bearing it in mind that Faith Ikidi and Desire Oparanozie were not selected in the starting XI against South Africa as a result of injuries, as many as six players that started the AWCON showpiece played from the very first minute against France.

Reacting to the draw, France manager Diacre said to L'Equipe : ''The Nigerians are champions of Africa, even if we beat them very clearly lately (8-0, April 6). Their defeat at home was very salutary for them.

''Norway finished first in their qualifying group ahead of the Netherlands, European champions.

''South Korea, we know a little less but they have convincing results with draws against Japan and New Zealand recently. There will be nothing easy.''

Nigeria and France will do battle on Monday, June 17 in Rennes.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : fff.fr