Galatasaray Women defender Tosin Demehin has been officially ruled out of the Super Falcons’ international friendly match against France, scheduled for today in Angers, due to an injury. The announcement was made by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) shortly before the team conducted its official training session at the Stade Raymond Kopa, a venue with a capacity of 18,000 that is the home ground of Ligue 1 side Angers SCO. The stadium was originally opened in 1912 and underwent renovations seven years ago. Demehin’s absence leaves coach Chris Madugu with a selection challenge in defense, as he will now have to choose from several available players to fill the gap left by the injured centre-back.
In light of Demehin’s injury, Madugu has several defenders at his disposal, including England-based Rofiat Imuran, Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, and returning player Ashley Plumptre. The coach may also consider including Shukurat Oladipo from FC Robo as part of the defensive lineup. The Super Falcons traveled to France on Wednesday, and despite the limited preparation time with only two training sessions, Coach Madugu remains optimistic about the match, indicating that the players are well-prepared psychologically and tactically to face a formidable opponent like France.
Madugu’s confidence is rooted in the experience of several players on the team who have previously faced some of the top-ranked national teams. Many of the foreign-based players have participated in significant competitions, including the last Olympics and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they played against France. This experience is seen as a critical asset as they approach the friendly match, with Madugu expressing hope that the team’s combined experience could lead to a competitive performance against the French side.
The upcoming match marks a memorable occasion, as the Super Falcons last faced France over five years ago during the FIFA Women’s World Cup held in France, where the Super Falcons narrowly lost the match due to a penalty by Wendie Renard. Despite the defeat, Nigeria advanced to the knockout stage of the tournament due to favorable outcomes in their group. Madugu noted the importance of this friendly match as an opportunity not only for the established players but also to evaluate performance among the home-based players, allowing them to gain valuable experience against a top-tier team.
Further support for the Super Falcons during this crucial match will come from key officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, including NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, Women’s Football Committee Chair Aisha Falode, and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, who will be present at the venue to encourage the team during the friendly match against Les Bleues. Their presence underscores the significance of the match for the development of women’s football in Nigeria and the federation’s commitment to supporting the national team in international engagements.
In conclusion, the Super Falcons face a challenging yet exciting test against France, a match highlighted by both missed opportunities and the potential for growth within the squad. The absence of Tosin Demehin adds pressure to the defensive lineup, but Madugu’s strategic approach and emphasis on player experience offer hope for a well-fought contest. The upcoming match not only serves as a critical checkpoint for the team as they prepare for future competitions but also reinforces their position as a competitive force in women’s football on the international stage.
