WAFCON Nigeria v RSA : Match preview, Super Falcons squad list, what to expect, kickoff time

The Super Falcons will lock horns against the Bayana Bayana of South Africa in the group stage of the African Women Cup Of Nations today Monday, July 4th 2022 at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco.

This will be the Super Falcons first game of their title defence and it comes against the same opponents whom they beat in the last edition's final.

Allnigeriasoccer.com has all the information you need ahead of the crunch match between the two countries.

Match preview

Nigeria's Super Falcons have a long-standing rivalry with South Africa and will be eager to lay down a marker when the two teams square off today.

A win over the Bayana Bayana would help put Nigeria's qualification into the knockout stage on a positive note, however, the South Africans are no pushovers either.

Having lost the last edition's trophy to the Super Falcons despite beating them in the group stage, there is a feeling of revenge after that painful event.

There have been thirteen encounters between Nigeria and South Africa, and the Super Falcons hold a superior head-to-head record of seven victories, while South Africa have won just thrice with three ending in a draw.

Super Falcons squad list

Goalkeepers (3) : Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France), Tochukwu Oluehi (Maccabi Kishronot Hadera, Israel), Yewande Balogun (Coppermine United, USA)

Defenders (7) : Onome Ebi (EV Avant Guingamp, France), Glory Ogbonna (ST. Teresa FC, Spain), Ohale Osinachi (Deportivo Alaves, Spain), Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester City, England), Nicole Payne (West Virginia University, USA), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA), Akudo Ogbonna (Edo Queens, Nigeria)

Midfielders (8) : Ngozi Okobi-Okeghena (Eskilstuna FC, Sweden), Peace Efih (Kiryat Gat, Israel), Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain), Halimatu Ayinde (Eskilstuna FC, Sweden), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal), Regina Otu (Minsk FC, Belarus), Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Rita Chikwelu (Madrid CFF. Spain)

Forwards (7) : Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Vivian Ikechukwu (WFC Gintra, Lithuania), Chinonyerem Macleans (GSK Gornik Leezna, Poland), Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, USA), Uchenna Kanu (Tigres Femenil, Mexico), Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona, Spain), Gift Monday (Bayelsa Queens, Nigeria)

What to expect

With the rivalry and quality possessed by both teams, an open game with both teams going for each other's throat from the first whistle should be expected.

Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum favours an attacking set-up with the former University of Pittsburgh women's head coach has always reiterated his desire for Nigeria to be recognised as the team to beat in all competitions.

South Africa's coach Desiree Ellis also loves setting an attacking system with him utilising the likes of Thembi Kgatlana and Linda Motlhalo to devastating effects.

Ellis has also stressed the importance of the first game of the tournament and has stated that he wants his team to do well against the champions.

Fans can expect an attacking game of football with both teams eager to open the goalscoring.

Kickoff Time/Venue

The African Women Cup Of Nations group stage match between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and Bayana Bayana of South Africa will kick off at exactly 1800 hours Nigerian time at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco.

Sofoluwe Mayowa

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