Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered a 1-1 draw against Ethiopia’s Lucy in the first leg of qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Here are Soccernet.ng’s four takeaways from this match.
Nigeria’s struggle in the absence of head coach Randy Waldrum
Waldrum missed the match due to personal commitments in the United States. The American coach led Nigeria to the final round of the World Cup and the team played some great football.
In his absence, the Falcons looked flat and mediocre from defense to attack, but it took a moment of brilliance from Rashidat Ajibadeh to salvage a tie.
The Super Falcons are goals-shy
Nigeria has scored just four goals in their previous five matches, three of which came in one game against Australia at the World Cup.
The Falcons failed to score against Canada, Ireland and England at Mundial, and only scored one goal against Ethiopia.
Oshoala missed several chances in the World Cup and against Ethiopia. Ifie Onumonu was unproductive and Uchenna Kanu forgot about his goals in Mexico.
Nigeria needs a new goalscorer. I hope Babajide Linsola brings this back from Spain.
Rasheedat Ajibade is Nigeria’s next big thing
Ajibade stepped forward as people around him were confused by Randy Waldrum’s absence.
The Atlético Madrid striker scored the equalizer and helped the Falcons avoid defeat against Ethiopia.
Oshoala has been Nigeria’s biggest star for the past decade, but it’s clear that Ajibade will be the team’s mainstay in the years to come.
Falcons need to win in Abeokuta
The second leg of this qualifier between Nigeria and Ethiopia will be held on October 31 at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
The Super Falcons must win this match to advance to the next round of Olympic qualifying.
Coach Waldrum is expected to rejoin the team before this matchup, which could give the Falcons the advantage they need to move up.
