With the FIFA Women’s World Cup set to kick off on July 26, the Super Falcons must show that they are ready and prepared for the tournament.
The team had only recently turned the corner, it seems, a 1-0 win against Costa Ric, in the last international window, ended a seven-game winless streak for a team so highly regarded in Africa.
A lot has been made of the fact that the team only managed two goals in that worrying run, but it is now such a relief to see Asisat Oshoala and Desire Oparanozie back in the fold – perhaps the struggle will be a thing of the past – for the friendly against Haiti today.
Coach Randy Waldrum has shown dedication and commitment to continue taking charge of the team despite being owed up to a year’s salary, and he knows that the last two friendlies will lead up to Nigeria’s opening group game at the World Cup, against Canada.
Results have to start coming and not just a scrappy win like the one against Costa Rica, it has to be a convincing display with a big score margin.
Although Haiti and New Zealand look beatable on paper, it won’t be an easy feat.
Haiti have shown pedigree in big games too, recently dispatching Senegal and Chile in their last two games.
New Zealand on the other hand have not been convincing, as they have lost their five matches and they provide the perfect template for Waldrum to fully fine-tune his plans.
The Falcons need to aim for victory and everyone knows that anything less than a convincing victory in both games won’t be seen as an optimistic outing.
