WWC Matildas v Super Falcons: Match preview, what to expect, key players, team news, kickoff time
Published: July 26, 2023
Nigeria will be facing tournament cohost Australia on matchday two of the FIFA Women's World Cup on Thursday morning.
The Super Falcons played a barren draw with reigning Olympic champions Canada in their first match and will be hoping to avoid a defeat to stand a chance of qualifying for the round of 16.
Also known as the Matildas, Australia kick-started their World Cup campaign with a slim 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland and need one more victory to book their place in the next round.
Match Preview
The only previous encounter between both sides at the World Cup was in 2015 when Australia emerged as 2-0 winners.
Tony Gustavsson's ladies are the favourite heading into the game being the team with the superior quality, the higher ranked team in the FIFA ranking as well as being the home team.
What to Expect
Due to the superior quality of Australia and the home advantage factor, it is expected that the Oceanian country will boss the possession but will have their hands full facing a resolute Nigeria side.
The record African champions as we saw against Canada will try to stay compact and hit Gustavsson's ladies on the counter with the pace of the returning Rasheedat Ajibade and Ifeoma Onumonu in attack.
Team news
Randy Waldrum could be without Barcelona Femeni striker Asisat Oshoala who is sweating on her fitness but will be happy with the return of Halimatu Ayinde and Rashidat Ajibade.
The Matildas also have their fitness issues with Sam Kerr still nursing a calf injury and has been joined by Mary Fowler who replaced her in the first game alongside Aivi Luik on the sidelines.
Key Players
1. Christy Ucheibe (Nigeria): The defensive midfielder was one of the standout players against Canada as she covered every blade of grass and was excellent in carrying out her defensive duties.
Ucheibe will have to repeat her gallant performance against the Oceanian ladies for Nigeria to stand a chance to pick at least a point from the game.
2. Osinachi Ohale(Nigeria): The centre-back is one of the West Africans' best legs and proved that against the Canadians as she was rock solid at the back.
The defender must be at her best to thwart the dangers that will be posed in the encounter and hope her teammates replicate the same.
3. Kyra Cooney-Cross (Canada): The 21-year-old was on the standby list at the last World Cup but has now grown to become one of the best legs for Australia.
Cooney-Gross' distribution of the ball is going to be vital for the Matildas' attacking influence and her off-the-ball work is also going to be needed to curtail Nigeria when they break on the counter.
4. Caitlin Foord (Canada): The Arsenal forward is the Matildas' main goal threat in the absence of Sam Kerr.
Played with a partner up front she will be hoping to create more attacking impetus for her side in tomorrow's encounter .
Kickoff time and venue
The match will take place at the Brisbane Stadium in Australia and is expected to start at 1100 hours Nigerian time.
Abdulkareem Abdulhamid
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- N134b or nothing: Napoli yet to respond as Galatasaray increase bid for Osimhen
- Aston Villa legend advises Southampton to keep hold of Edozie amid Rangers, Club Brugge interest
- Super Eagles-eligible striker gets new shirt number at Man Utd ahead of 2025-2026 season
- 'His two goals were incredible' – Tosin hails Chelsea's new signing ahead of CWC showpiece v PSG
- Motherwell confirm signing of Ibrahim Said, reveal he was once courted by Liverpool and Man City
- Golden Eaglets hat-trick hero at 2019 Fifa U17 World Cup joins Motherwell, subject to medical
- Genk set N45b asking price for Super Eagles forward amid AC Milan, Fulham and Burnley links
- Done deal: Wycombe Wanderers snap up Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace alum Olabiyi
- Nichols, Harriman-Annous in Arsenal squad for La Manga training camp; Nwaneri missing
- Nigerian central midfielder joins Real Sociedad after release by Arsenal


- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Football Betting
- Polish Football
- VT88
- VT88
- keo nha cai
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- SHBET
- keo nha cai
- F168
- F168
- okvip
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88