Oshoala frustrated to be substituted and four other takeaways from Super Falcons draw v Cameroon 

The Super Falcons' journey to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics hangs in the balance following a goalless draw against Cameroon in Douala.

 

Nigeria last attended the Olympic stage in 2008, bowing out at the group stage in China.

 

Nigeria faced challenges coping with the physicality of the Cameroonian team, resulting in a match where neither side managed to score.

 

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the game.

 

1. Waldrum makes tactical adjustments

 

Randy Waldrum made a comeback to the Falcons' bench against Cameroon, marking his return since the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

 

Upon his return, Waldrum implemented tactical changes in the formation, positioning Toni Payne on the wings while shifting Rasheedat Ajibade into a more central midfield role.

 

In a crucial move during the second half, he decided to substitute Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne due to their subdued performances, demonstrating assertiveness in addressing the team's needs.

 

2. Toni Payne struggles on the wing

 

Toni Payne encountered difficulties when deployed on the wing against Cameroon, a departure from her usual attacking midfield role.

 

The striker from Sevilla faced challenges breaking through her defender, frequently lost possession, and struggled with passing accuracy.

 

However, the midfielder born in America was substituted at the beginning of the second half, with Esther Okoronkwo taking her place.

 

3. Cameroon opt for physical strategy against Nigeria

 

Cameroon opted for a physical strategy against the Super Falcons of Nigeria, aiming to dominate duels on the field. This approach enabled them to gain an advantage over their Nigerian counterparts.

 

Despite the coach's preparation, which included fielding three defensive midfielders – Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe, and Halimatu Ayinde – Nigeria still found it challenging to cope with Cameroon's physicality.

 

4. Contentious referee call

Shamirah Nabadda, the referee from Uganda, sparked controversy during the match in Duaola by making contentious decisions. Nabadda disallowed a goal by Echegini against Cameroon.

 

Echegini believed she had opened the scoring when she successfully found the net in the 54th minute, only for the referee to erroneously flag for offside.

 

5. Super Falcons' missed opportunities against Cameroon

 

Nigeria settled for a goalless draw against Cameroon in Douala, with the Super Falcons squandering numerous chances to score.

 

One significant contributor to this wastefulness was Asisat Oshoala, who failed to convert a crucial opportunity in the second half.

 

Subsequently, she was substituted by Rinsola Babajide, a decision that left the former Barcelona striker visibly frustrated, as she expressed discontent with the coach's choice.

 

 

 

Adeyemi Adewale

 

 

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