Ethiopia will welcome Nigeria Super Falcons to Abebe Bikila Stadium, Addis Ababa on Wednesday in the first leg of the Olympic qualifiers. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:30 pm Nigerian time and 3:30 pm Ethiopian time.
🇳🇬Gearing up for the #Paris2024 Olympics Games qualifiers 🧐#SoarSuperFalcons|#OlympicsQualifiers| #CAFWOQ pic.twitter.com/AosWpHemNV
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) October 24, 2023
Firew Hailegebriel's side will look to banish the disappointment of losing out on penalties to Burundi in the WAFCON qualifiers last month after a 2-2 aggregate draw.
Having emerged the better team over two legs against Chad in the first round Olympic qualifiers, the Walya Ladies will fancy their chances against Nigeria Super Falcons who haven't played competitive football since their 4-2 loss on penalties to England in the Women's FIFA World Cup in August.
But the fact that Super Falcons have been unable to qualify for the Olympics since 2008 and are determined to break the jinx this time, makes this clash even more interesting for both sides.
Ethiopia vs Nigeria Super Falcons team news
The Super Falcons will be without its head coach, Randy Waldrum as they face the Ethiopian women’s national team for a spot in the 2024 women’s Olympic football tournament.
Waldrum, whose current contract ends October 31st, is negotiating his extension with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) but his absence is reportedly due to personal commitments. He could be available for the return leg in Nigeria.
In his absence, assistant coaches Justin Madugu, Ann Agumanu-Chiejine, and Auwal Makwalla will take charge of the team.
Despite being the most successful team in Africa, Super Falcons have been unable to qualify for the Olympics since 2008 but are determined to break the jinx this time.
Loza, Senaf and Rediet are expected to lead the attack for the Walya Ladies, while Onumonu, Kanu and Oshoala play upfront for Nigeria.
Ethiopia vs Nigeria Super Falcons probable lineups
Ethiopia
Tarikwa Bergena (GK); Bizuayehu Tadesse, Nardos Getnet, Netsanet Tsegaye, Betelhem Bekele; Nybouny Yien, Messay Temesgen, Aregash Kalsa; Loza Abera, Senaf Wakuma, Rediet Asresahegn.
Nigeria Super Falcons
Chiamaka Nnadozie (GK); Jumoke Alani, Blessing Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie; Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne; Ifeoma Onumonu, Uchenna Kanu, Asisat Oshoala.
Ethiopia vs Nigeria Super Falcons confirmed lineups
*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released
Ethiopia vs Nigeria Super Falcons odds today
On paper, Nigeria are favourites to win this match; however, at the time of publication there are no available odds for this game, nor any of the Women African Olympic qualifiers taking place this week. We'll update as soon as this changes.
Where to watch Ethiopia vs Nigeria Super Falcons live
The Ethiopia vs Nigeria Super Falcons game will be available on DStv, GOtv and the YouTube account of the Nigeria Football Federation. Fans in Nigeria can switch to any of the above platforms to watch the game.
This article was most recently revised and updated 6 days ago
