Pre-World Cup friendly : Four takeaways from Super Falcons' 3-0 rout of New Zealand

The Super Falcons on Tuesday defeated 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup co-hosts New Zealand 3-0 to make a bold statement ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Allnigeriasoccer.com saw the game and here presents four things noticed in the game.

1. New Zealand press

The New Zealanders pressed high up the pitch in Nigeria's half in the first half.

The Women's World Cup co-hosts were also dominant in the aerial duels.

2. Super Falcons recovery rate

The Nigerian side may have been second best to New Zealand in the areas highlighted above but they impressively repelled the  early attacks from New Zealand.

The entire defensive line was impressive and were not found out of track. Their recovery was superb and they cleared their lines.

3. Wilkinson threat

New Zealand striker Hannah Wilkinson was a very difficult player to contain by the Super Falcons.

Her pace, trickery and height sometimes troubled Onome Ebi and Onyinye Echegini in defence. Had some scoring chances but the Nigerians stood up to the challenge.

4. Nnadozie option

The games against Haiti and New Zealand were friendlies so there could have been opportunities for some payers who were not regulars to show what they can offer.

First choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was preferred over Yewande Balogun who should have been played in order to see what she can offer the team.

Injury and suspension could see Nnadozie ruled out of matches during the World Cup.

Giving Balogun a chance to show what she can offer could have built her confidence up.

Izuchukwu Michael

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