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The Super Falcons played out a 1-1 draw against Ethiopia and here is how every Nigerian player fared in the match.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Ethiopia in the first leg of the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers.
The game saw the Super Falcons officially return to the pitch for the first time since their exploits at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Nigeria could not continue the momentum from Australia/New Zealand though as Ethiopia took the lead after just six minutes when Birkie Amare converted from a scramble in the box.
The Super Falcons were able to respond in the second half through captain Rasheedat AJibade who scored a brilliant goal from outside the box in the 52nd minute.
That was all she wrote as the game ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw from a Nigerian perspective and here is how every Super Falcon performed.
Super Falcons player ratings
Nigeria were without head coach Randy Waldrum and two key members of the defence in Ashleigh Plumptre and veteran Onome Ebi but they still had most of their World Cup squad in action.
Chiamaka Nnadozie - 7/10
The impressive goalkeeper was without the captain band today in another change in this game but she still put up a characteristically competent display against Ethiopia.
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The home side created lots of chances, especially in the first half and Nnadozie was frequently called into action and she held her own.
The goal Nigeria conceded was a result of a goalmouth scramble which she could have done nothing about.
Tosin Demehin - 5/10
It was not a particularly solid defensive performance by the Super Falcons and centre-back Tosin Demehin looked uneasy at times.
Akudo Ogbonna - 5/10
The same goes for the other centre-back Akudo who along with Demehin failed to give their goalkeeper enough protection.
Michelle Alozie - 6/10
The darling of Nigerian women's football, Michelle Alozie was her usual energetic self on the left side of defence but could not make the difference.
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Nicole Payne - 5/10
Nicole Payne made a return to the Super Falcons after some time away and played 60 minutes which was largely uneventful and was substituted and replaced by Rofiat Imuran.
Peace Efih - 7/10
Peace Efih started the game in a three-woman midfield along with Toni Payne and Rasheedat Ajibade which meant she had to bear the bulk of the defensive responsibility which she did quite well.
Efih covered a good amount of ground, making up for her midfield partners who are more attack-minded.
Toni Payne - 6/10
Toni Payne put in a solid midfield shift as always even in what was a game of few chances, she was active for the entire 90 minutes.
Rasheedat Ajibade - 8/10
The captain on the day, Rasheedat Ajibade scored Nigeria’s goal in rather spectacular fashion which was the highlight of her superb all-round performance.
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Ajibade latched on to a clearance by the Ethiopian defence and fired home spectacularly from the edge of the box with her second touch after controlling brilliantly with her first.
Apart from the goal, Ajibade pressed well and tried to force the issue in Nigeria’s favour for most of the game.
Gift Monday 6/10
Gift Monday had a very eventful game on the left side of the Nigerian attack as she constantly took the game to the Ethiopian defence as the aggressor.
Gift’s impact however did not yield any goals and she was eventually taken off and replaced by Ifeoma Onumonu in the 60th minute.
Uchenna Kanu 4/10
Uchenna Kanu played on the right side of the attack but did not have a good game at all and even played a part in Ethiopia’s goal with a poor attempt to clear the ball which eventually landed at the feet of Birkie Amarie who scored.
Uchenna was subbed off in the 75th minute to be replaced by debutant Rinsola Babajide.
Asisat Oshoala 5/10
Super Falcons star player Asisat Oshoala did not have a good game as she missed multiple good chances during the match.
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Oshoala played for 80 minutes and was then replaced by Esther Ajakaye who came off the bench for her debut.
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