The Women AFCON is a competition Nigeria’s Super Falcons have historically been the dominant force, carting away almost all the trophies apart from the two defeats it suffered in the hands of Equatorial Guinea
But that dominance seems to be gradually plummeting
The Bayana Bayana of South Africa are the latest team to demystify the Nigerian side, the second time the Falcons will slump to their South African rivals in two years. The loss followed last year’s 4-2 defeat in the Aisha Buhari Cup, which was hosted by Nigeria. It was a loss many Nigerians didn’t expect.
Fast forward to Women’s 2022 AFCON in Morocco, the Bayana Bayana again was able to clip the wings of the Nigeria team, with the Super Falcons capitulating to the superior firepower of the South African side, losing 2-1 in the group opener, which had the hype as the ‘final before the final’.
It was a lacklustre performance by the Champions. The Falcons played like nothing was at stake, especially for a team chasing La Decima (the Tenth Title)
Many Nigerian football fans are vexed by the loss, and quite understandably so. But lets look at five possible reasons why the team lost
- POOR SELECTION
Rita Chikwelu offered little to nothing for the National Team. There was also the lack of creativity in the middle of the pack, calling into question the technical capabilities of coach Randy Waldrum. - OLD LEGS
Again, Chikwelu and Captain Onome Ebi showed their tired legs in the game. Both players were error prone and the number 10 could hardly control the ball or make any successful pass, leading to a drought of goal scoring opportunities for the goal poachers upfront. This is something the coach should urgently work on - LACK OF COHESION
The crosses from the flanks and even in the middle of the pack were shambolic. For a team well known for its flourishing, almost tiki-taka style of football, its inability to string passes was incredulous. It betrayed a lack of communication and synergy among the players . The returnee goalkeeper, Tochukwu Oluehi was always seen venting her frustration during free kicks urging her players to cover the wall adequately or do their defending well. - INJURY WORRY
Reigning African Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala suffered a knock during the early stages of the first half. One would have expected the coach to make a tactical change and bring on a ‘like for like’ in her place to firm up the tardy attack of the team, but Waldrum left the Barcelona forward on the pitch till she couldn’t take it anymore before she was replaced by old timer Francisca Odega.
For the period until she was substituted, Oshoala was like a Mannequin for more than one hour. Begs the question, what was Waldrum’s reasons for keeping Oshoala on the pitch despite her obvious poor form due to injury?
- LIKE WALDRUM, LIKE ROHR
All I can say is when it comes to locally based players, the National team coaches are skeptical of their resourcefulness. Even when Augustine Eguavoen took charge of the Super Eagles in interim capacity, he neglected the local players despite being the head of the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation and having coached in the local professional league
But this is not about Cerezo and his flash in the pan display that cost us the World Cup ticket.
Coach Waldrum selected only two home based players. Bayelsa Queens’ hotshot, Gift Monday was one of the two selected players after her spectacular performance at the season ending Nigeria Women Football League Super 6 Tournament, which her team won. Her scintillating performance forced the handlers of the team to hand her a late call up.
Could Monday not have been a better replacement to injured Oshoala?
Also Read : Waldrum optimistic Super Falcons will retain WAFCON Title in Morocco
The sobering thing is that the Bayana Bayana are not the only problem for the Super Falcons. Just like there are no minnows in Men’s football, same is applicable in Women’s football.
Its also becoming quite clear that Waldrum may not be the solution to our coaching problems. Talents abound in the country, but the managers appear incapable of harnessing them
For now, fans can only lick the wounds of the defeat and hope for the best.
See you after our second group game!
