The Super Falcons and their Korea Republic counterparts will on Wednesday square up in a “battle for survival” at the ongoing 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
While the Falcons lost their first match 0-3 to Norway, the Korean girls lost 0-4 to host, France.
Both sides, therefore, need to win today’s crucial match to boost their hopes of staying in the tournament after the group phase.
The Super Falcons are expected to throw all their fire woods into the furnace inside the Stade des Alpes in the city of Grenoble, venue of the clash billed to kick off at 3pm.
Head Coach, Thomas Dennerby, and team medics on Tuesday ruled veteran defender, Faith Michael, out of the tournament.
The Pitea IF of Sweden defender was injured in a clash with goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi during Saturday’s 0-3 loss to Norway, and will take no further part in the championship, no matter how far the African champions get.
The team again trained at the Stade Eugène Thenard on the Avenue du General de Charles Gaulle on Tuesday, and apart from Michael, the remaining 22 players are rearing to go against the Far East Asians.
In Michael’s absence, petite Chidinma Okeke, a former junior international who featured for Nigeria at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, also staged in France last year summer, will start at right back.
She was impressive against the Norwegians when she replaced Michael in the 53rd minute on Saturday.
The central defensive pairing of veteran Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale will be maintained, as well as left back Ngozi Ebere.
In the midfield, Dennerby will decide whether to once more go with the trio of Ngozi Okobi, Rita Nwadike and Halimatu Ayinde, or rest the latter for Portugal-based Chinaza Uchendu.
Desire Oparanozie, Asisat Oshoala and Francisca Ordega will be saddled with the assignment of getting the goals that will keep Falcons’ hopes of remaining in France beyond June 17.
While Nigeria and Korea DPR have squared up to each other on two occasions at the FIFA World Cup (one win each way), today’s match will be the first time the Super Falcons and their South Korean counterparts meet.
