FIFAWWC: Oshoala, Rasheedat and 3 others who can lead Super Falcons to a win vs Australia

Nigeria Super Falcons are set for their second game at the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup, FIFAWWC, in New Zealand and Australia.

On Thursday morning, the Super Falcons go head-to-head with one of the favourites in Group B and co-hosts, Australia, at the Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane.

Australia’s Matildas are looking to build on their win against the Republic of Ireland from their tournament opener while Nigeria hopes for another positive outing after holding Olympic champions Canada to a goalless affair.

The home side is aware just a win will be enough to get them a step closer to their goal and Nigeria will be looking to halt their stride despite the potential for another record crowd backing the co-hosts.

Ahead of that decisive encounter, Pulse Sports Nigeria has picked five Super Falcons stars who can inspire Nigeria to a shock win against the Matildas.

Nigeria’s superstar player Oshoala remains the one Super Falcons who commands the most attention in the team.

The 2023 FIFAWWC has started on a quiet note for the Barcelona Femeni forward, with her performance against Canada in the opener a key talking point amongst Nigerians.

Oshoala, 28, is also reportedly a huge doubt for the clash against the co-hosts but there is a glimmer of hope the multiple African Women’s Player of the Year winner will still be able to shake off the knock for the game.

Nigerians are optimistic that Oshoala will kick on from game two and that her presence on the pitch remains vital for the Super Falcons.

This fixture against Australia might be a good time to see Uche Kanu get a starting berth for the Falcons.

Kanu has remained a bit-part player in the Falcons despite her immerse ability which she showed a glimpse of against Canada.

The USA-based winger came off the bench against the Olympic champions and was an immediate breath of fresh her with her dribbling ability which injected urgency into the Falcons' attack.

You do not require a seer to understand why goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie will be a key player against the Matildas.

The 22-year-old has already laid down a marker in that opener against Canada.

Apart from her penalty heroics, the France-based super pair of safe hands proved valuable for Nigeria with an incredible command of her aerial space.

Nigeria will need her to be at her absolute best once again to stand a real chance against the solid Australians.

Another player who can make a positive impact on Nigeria is Desire Oparanozie.

The former skipper of the team is yet to play in the 2023 FIFAWWC and could finally make her entrance against Australia.

Based in China, the 29-year-old remains an impactful player, With her all-action style, Oparanozie could step in if Oshoala fails to pass a late fitness test for the game.

The return of Atletico Madrid’s Rasheedat Ajibade means coach Randy Waldrum is the happiest man in Australia at the moment.

Ajibade was a big miss again the Canadians following her suspension for a red card against Morocco at the WAFCON.

But she is back and ready to go and I expect to see her start against the Matildas.

At 23, the Atleti superstar is easily Nigeria’s biggest threat going forward outside Oshoala.