Ahead of the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, we here at For The Win are previewing some key teams to watch in this tournament. Next up is the Nigeria women’s national team. You can see the full list of team previews and read about the USWNT here.
One of the sleeper teams at the 2023 World Cup is Nigeria.
Although this isn’t a powerhouse, the Super Falcons have some star power that could make them a competitive team and surprise some fans in the World Cup.
Nigeria, however, doesn’t enter this tournament with tremendous momentum right now. It has the eighth-lowest ranking among all teams to qualify, and it’s the biggest underdog in its group.
But there are still reasons to believe that the Super Falcons could pull off some upsets.
So as the tournament kicks off, here’s a look at what you need to know about Nigeria in the 2023 World Cup.
Nigeria's group and schedule
Nigeria is in Group B, along with Australia, Republic of Ireland and Canada. Here’s the group stage schedule for Nigeria:
- July 20 vs. Canada | 10:30 p.m. ET on FOX
- July 27 vs. Australia | 6 a.m. ET on FS1
- July 31 vs. Republic of Ireland | 6 a.m. ET on FS1
Key players for Nigeria
Asisat Oshoala: Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoal, also known as Àgba Baller, is at the top of her game. She was the first woman from Africa to win the UEFA Champions League and the first woman from Africa to win Spain’s Pichichi Trophy, which is awarded to the top goalscorer in La Liga. She is currently on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual award in soccer.
Rasheedat Ajibade: Also known as RASH or The Girl With The Blue Hair, this Madrid forward is only 23 years old but is already quite an accomplished player. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Aly Wagner recently named Ajibade as one of the Top 25 players participating in the Women’s World Cup.
Chiamaka Nnadozie: The 23-year-old goalkeeper is widely considered one of the best players at her position in the world. When she was 18 years old, she represented Nigeria at the 2019 World Cup for the Super Falcons. During a 2-0 victory against Korea, she became the youngest keeper to ever keep a clean sheet in a Women’s World Cup game.
Nigeria's recent World Cup history
Nigeria is uniquely one of the only nations to qualify for every edition of FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991. Although the Super Falcons have won several African championships, the squad last made it to the World Cup quarterfinals in 1999. Nigeria has won just two games at the World Cup since then.
What the experts are saying about Team Nigeria
Here is the latest analysis on what we can expect from the Super Falcons.
“This tournament finds the Nigeria team in an unusually vulnerable state. Having lost the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a title they had previously monopolised for decades, the Super Falcons will arrive in Australia without their trademark aura.
[…]
Four matches is the most Nigeria have played at a World Cup and they are faced with a difficult group featuring the co-hosts, Australia, and the reigning Olympic champions, Canada. If they are to progress, they will need to go into their final group match against Ireland with something already on the board. Prediction: group-stage exit.”
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