The nine-time African champions, Nigeria Super Falcons, will host the Walya Ladies of Ethiopia in the second leg of their African 2024 Olympic qualifier.
Olympics Qualifiers ➡️Paris 2024!
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👉Relax, We've got this✅#SoarSuperFalcons #TheMTNSuperFalconsShow #ThisIsNaija #WhereFootballLives. pic.twitter.com/PRcl3np5SN
— The Super Falcons Show (@Superfalconshow) October 29, 2023
The hugely anticipated clash will take place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria had claimed a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Ethiopia in the first leg of the second round of qualifiers last Wednesday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.
Rasheedat Ajibade scored a second-half equalizer to cancel out Ethiopia’s early lead, as the Falcons returned to action for the first time since their elimination from the FIFA Women’s World Cup in July.
The Super Falcons have missed the last three editions of the Olympic Games and following their spectacular performance at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, all hands will be on deck to earn qualification.
However, the match won't be an easy one, as Ethiopia are determined to upset the Nigerian ladies at home.
Nigeria Super Falcons vs Ethiopia team news
Super Falcons news
One bit of news about the Super Falcons is that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said the return leg against Ethiopia will be free of charge for fans to encourage Nigerians into the stadium to give their maximum support to the women's national team.
As the clock ticks, our next adventure approaches.#SoarSuperFalcons| #Paris2024|#OlympicQualifiers | #NGAETH pic.twitter.com/tqKNqQhmVf
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) October 29, 2023
As revealed by the General Secretary of the Federation, Sanusi Mohammed on Sunday morning:
“At this time when we have a new government that loves and supports sports particularly football, we have no option than to do everything to make sure that the Super Falcons qualify for the next Olympic Games in Paris, France.
“We all know the importance of fans cheering up a home team, it goes a long way in boosting the morale of the team in ensuring that the opponents are defeated.
“This is one of the reasons the federation thought it wise to throw the gates open for fans from all walks of life to come and cheer them to victory against Ethiopia on Tuesday.”
Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum won't be available
In another development, Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum will not be in charge of the women’s national team when they meet Ethiopia this week.
Waldrum was absent when both teams drew 1-1 in Addis Ababa last week due to some personal issues.
There has been speculation that the NFF was not disposed to extending the American’s contract following the face-off it had with the coach before and during the Australia 2023 Women's World Cup.
Justin Maduagu and Ann Chiejine led the Super Falcons in the first-leg draw in Addis Ababa and will also be in charge of the team in the return leg.
Ethiopia news
The delegation of Ethiopia’s senior women national team arrived in Abuja on Sunday, ahead of Tuesday’s Paris 2024 Olympics second round, second leg qualifying match against the Super Falcons.
The team will be having their first training on Monday in preparation ahead of the game.
‘We need to learn to take our chances'
The coach of Ethiopia, Firew Hailegebriel, has stated his opinion following the 1-1 draw the Lucy's recorded last week against the Falcons.
Hailegebriel still believes they have what it takes to get the needed outcome in the second leg in Nigeria.
“We need to learn to take our chances that we create in front of goal and also defend well”.
Ethiopia will face a serious test against the Falcons in Abuja. However, they're one of the most dangerous sides in the qualifiers, having picked up a 10-0 aggregate score against Chad in the first round.
Nigeria Super Falcons vs Ethiopia probable lineups
We don't expect many changes from Nigeria and Ethiopia in their lineups from the first game.
Chiamaka Nnadozie will be in goal for the Falcons, with Ajibade and Toni Payne pulling the strings in the middle of the park.
The trio of Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu and Asisat Oshoala will lead the attack as Nigeria looks to get the job done at home.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia will look to see another impressive display from their defensive stalwarts, especially Birkie Amare, who was instrumental in the first leg.
Elsewhere, the team's top scorer Loza Abera, alongside Senaf Wakuma and Rediet Asresahegn are expected to trouble the Super Falcons backline as they look to make further impact towards qualification.
Here is our probable lineups for both teams in this 2024 Olympic Qualifiers round 2 second leg:
Nigeria Super Falcons
Chiamaka Nnadozie (GK); Jumoke Alani, Blessing Demehin, Nicole Payne, Michelle Alozie; Peace Efih, Rasheedat Ajibade, Toni Payne; Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu, Asisat Oshoala.
Ethiopia
Tarikwa Bergena (GK); Bizuayehu Tadesse, Birkie Amare, Netsanet Tsegaye, Betelhem Bekele; Nybouny Yien, Messay Temesgen, Aregash Kalsa; Loza Abera, Senaf Wakuma, Rediet Asresahegn.
Nigeria Super Falcons vs Ethiopia confirmed lineups
*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released
Nigeria Super Falcons vs Ethiopia match officials/details
- Christine Ziga from Ghana will serve as the match commissioner.
- Edoh Kindedji from Togo will serve as the match referee along with her compatriots Abra Sitsofe Agbedanou and Kossiwa Kayigan Awoutey who will serve as assistant referee 1 and assistant referee 2, respectively.
- Yacine Samassa from Mauritania will serve as fourth official while Daloba Oulare from Guinea will be the referee assessor.
Date: Tuesday, 31 October 2023
Time: 4 pm
Venue: MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Live broadcast: NTA, CAF TV
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 hours ago
