“What a strike!” That was probably the reaction of many Nigerians who watched as Esther Onyenezide’s screamer gave Falconets the victory against South Korea in a keenly contested encounter. It was a difficult game from two powerhouses in women’s football but the Falconets took the day
For Christopher Danjuma, the burden of qualifying from the group stage is almost lifted and the team will seal a spot in the quarterfinal on Wednesday morning. The Falconets showed improvement from their first game against European Champions, France. Still, there is work to be done
In the game against France, the goalkeeper, Omini was jittery, it was her first game in a World Cup and that is understandable. Against South Korea, she rose to the occasion and played her role well, denying the Koreans with confident saves. Omini will grow in confidence and become better. Yet, she needs to make the box her own and time how she deals with crosses. She is a brilliant goalkeeper no doubt and in subsequent games, she is expected to do more, so the goalkeeper should drill her more
For the defense, they have been one of the best departments in the team. Tosin Demehin has shown why she is the captain and has led the backline so well. Her intelligent interceptions and vital blocks have saved the Falconets.
Nevertheless, Danjuma should work on the team’s transition from the back to the middle. Long balls may not always work with a quality opponent, so the girls will have to do the basics of passing and playing on the ground. The midfield should be able to connect with the attack, providing a nexus between attack and defense
Some of the attributes of this team are fitness; energy, and enthusiasm. They fight for every ball and are ready to be in action for the entire duration of the game.
Another worry is that the team creates few chances. But they have not conceded and have scored twice in two games. Danjuma and his team of coaches should do more work on the team’s midfield and help them to play together as a team
This team has wonderful individual talents who can make the team impregnable when they finally click. Danjuma and his coaches are working and it is showing. They can get back to that form that saw them fly without bounds in the qualifiers
The team has not lost a competitive game in 9 games and they would want to make that 13 by winning the next four games and becoming champions
Mercy Idoko and Sebastine Flourish should play closer to each other. For Joy Jerry, she has not really played according to what she really worth. She should raise her game and roll back the years, to add impetus to the attack.
The left back, Imuran is doing a good job and Danjuma should find a way to make the right back effective as well
As the competition gets into the knockouts, tiny details will definitely matter and this is where Danjuma, Moses Aduku and the other coaches will bring their wealth of experience to bear.
Absolutely great analysis… You captured all areas of the team. Especially playing in the ground and Playing out from the back. It is important that they keep the ball than give back to the Opponents at a very small press against them.
Ability to read danger and clear to a l as dangerous place is important too. Some clearance yesterday kept us under pressure rather than relief us.
Good Article 👍✅