Paris 2024 women's football qualifier: Five observations from Super Falcons 1-1 draw against Lucy

In the second round of African qualifying for the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024, the Super Falcons forced the Lucy of Ethiopia to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday afternoon. 

Stand-in-captain Rasheedat Ajibade salvaged a draw for the Super Falcons with a beautiful long-range strike in the 51st minute, canceling out Birkie Amare's first half opener.

Allnigeriasoccer.com here presents five observations from the game staged at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.

1. Super Falcons failed to impress in Randy Waldrum's absence

In the absence of Randy Waldrum on the touchline, the Nigerian women's team, the Falcons, struggled to replicate their solid performance from the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Against Ethiopia, Falcons had difficulty breaking down their opponents and asserting their dominance in the game.

2. Super Falcons struggle to defend crosses and corners 

The Super Falcons had a tough time defending set pieces and corners throughout the game. 

This was especially evident in their struggles to clear the ball during a corner, which ultimately led to the opposing team scoring their first goal.

3. Asisat Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu quiet against Ethiopia 

Oshoala, the Barcelona striker, once again failed to impress while wearing the Super Falcons jersey. 

The five-time African Women's Footballer of the Year lacked bite upfront as she struggled to make an impact on the game. Similarly, Kanu was kept quiet by the Ethiopian defenders.

Oshoala squandered an early opportunity in the opening five minutes, failing to score after the goalkeeper had parried a shot from Ajibade. 

The Barcelona star also failed to convert early in the second half after being played on goal.

4. Michelle Alozie played out of position

Although the Houston Dash star is two-footed, which means she can use both feet, right is her dominant foot. Alozie was asked to play at left-back to accommodate PSG's Nicole Payne at right-back.

Alozie being played out of position affected the rhythm of the team as Payne wasn't as good as the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup star in the right-back role. 

5. Ethiopia adopt time-wasting tactics 

Ethiopia after getting into an early lead against the Falcons in the first half adopted time wasting tactics to see out the game. 

Adeyemi Adewale

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