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Super Falcons’ attacker, Rasheedat Ajibade has been tipped to shine once again against Canada, alongside the team’s top two goalkeepers, Chidozie Nnadozie and Tochukwu Oluehi, megasportsarena.com reports.
This is the verdict of Falcons’ coach, Randy Waldrum, who praised all three for their efforts in Friday’s 2-0 loss to the same opponent and reckoned that they will still excel in Tuesday’s second game between both sides.
While also hailing the performances of a horde of his other players in the 14-woman roster that featured against the reigning Olympic Games champions in Vancouver, Canada, Waldrum singled out some of his standout lasses.
He went on to reel out words of praise for the heroic ones, noting that the nine-time reigning African champions held their own in the first half and did not concede until the 51st minute of play.
Chelsea Women of England star, Jessie Fleming broke the deadlock and then Bordeaux of France ace, Vanessa Gilles increased the lead in the 72nd minute, but Waldrum has submitted that Nnadozie and her replacement, Oluehi gave a good account of themselves.
The American soccer tactician lso pointed at the performance of Ajibade, as he acknowledged that the Atlético Madrid forward was Nigeria’s best player on the pitch in the opening 45 minutes.
While enthusing that they will all do well in the second game, Waldrum also hailed the performances of Nicole Payne, Amanda Mbadi, Peace Efih, Oyin Echegini and Christy Ucheibe.
Waldrum told Super Falcons Media Team: “Both goalkeepers have played extremely well so I’m confident in our goalkeeping.
“We’ve got a good core of goalkeepers four our team. I thought both players for me, both goalkeepers were fantastic.
“We have seen Tochi now in two big games also against the United States last summer and obviously came on for Chiamaka a little bit in the second half against Canada.
“I thought for me Rasheedat was the best player in the first half, the best player of both teams on the field, I thought she was fantastic.
“It was (also) good to see Nicole Payne, a young player that we’re trying to give some experience. I though she had an overall good solid match for her first time.
“We saw a little bit of Amanda come in, Peace Efih coming in and getting some minutes at the end.
“We brought Echegini in to cap for her first time ever, to step on the field. Christy Ucheibe was very good when we brought her on against Ivory Coast.
“It was the first time we’ve really had her in camp for any matches. I thought she made a good showing in midfield for us as well.
“I think those young players that normally don’t get to play a lot came on and did well.
“So, a lot of positives for some players, who normally haven’t got to play a lot, for us to see them in that kind of environment.”
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