The Super Falcons will kickstart their campaign against Canada on July 21st at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Six days later, they will face Australia, followed by their final group match against Ireland on the last day of July at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
Securing one of the top two spots in the group is crucial for the Falcons, as only the winner and runner-up will advance to the knockout stages.
As the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup countdown in Australia and New Zealand reaches just twenty-eight days, Soccernet.ng examines the most formidable players from Nigeria’s women’s national football team, the Super Falcons’ group opponents.
These players will be eager to disrupt the Super Falcons’ journey towards the tournament’s knockout stages.
Samantha Kerr (Australia and Chelsea)
The Australian captain will play in her fourth World Cup when the 2023 edition begins. The 29-year-old is considered one of the best forwards in women’s soccer. She scored 30 goals for Chelsea in the just-concluded season to help the West London side to both League and Cup triumphs.
Christine Sinclair (Canada and Portland Thorns FC)
The 40-year-old forward is the captain of the national team and the National women’s soccer league club Portland Thorns FC. She’s the world’s all-time leader for International goals scored for men or women, with 190 goals and more than 300 caps.
Katie Mccabe (Ireland and Arsenal)
Unsurprisingly, Katie is also the Republic of Ireland national women’s team captain. The 27-year-old can operate as a left-back, a left-winger, or a left-midfielder. She has been among the best players for the Arsenal women’s team in recent years.
With the Super Falcons due to face opponents who can boast of a world-class player in each team, the Nigerian team also parade a recent UEFA Women’s Champions League winner in Barcelona feminine striker Asisat Oshoala in their rank.
The 28-year-old is arguably one of the best players in women’s soccer in the past years. Her five goals in the Champions League last season were important to her club’s second European victory in 3 years.
