Super Falcons v Banyana Banyana: Player ratings

Super Falcons v Banyana Banyana: Player ratings
Credit: Icon Sport

The Super Falcons took on the Banyana Banyana in the second leg of the Olympic final qualifying game, seeking to consolidate on a 1-0 first-leg lead.

With the support of the home fans, the Super Falcons had a mountain to climb against South Africa, as their lead was very slim.

The Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum, set his team up to close the gaps at the back and limit the chances of the South African side.

The Super Falcons pulled off a hard-fought 0-0 draw to book a place in the 2024 Paris Olympics. It was a well-earned draw.

Below are the ratings of the Super Falcons against Banyana Banyana.

Super Falcons v Banyana Banyana player ratings

Chiamaka Nnadozie – 7

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie
Photo by Icon Sport

Nnadozie was largely untroubled in the first half as the Super Falcons defender curtailed the advances of the Banyana Banyana. When called to action, she was equal to the task.

Osinachi Ohale – 6

Ohale almost cost Nigeria a goal early in the first half when her poor header gave Banyana Banyana a chance at the Nigerian goal. Ohale was occasionally caught out of position.

Chindinma Okeke – 6.5

Chidinma Okeke held her position well as the Super Falcons tried to keep their first-leg lead. There were a few lapses from her, but she did creditably well.

Michelle Alozie – 6.5

Alozie had a solid battle with Thembi Kgatlana, but she proved equal to the task. She didn't foray forward much, denying the Super Falcon's width on her wing.

Halimatu Ayinde – 6

Ayinde was a workhorse in the team. She partnered well with Ajibade, as they kept Banyana Banayana at bay. She produced little in attack.

Christy Ucheibe – 6

Ucheibe produced a decent defensive performance alongside Ohale to ensure that Nigeria kept a clean sheet against Banyana Bayana.

Deborah Abiodun – 6

Abiodun grafted well. With Ajibade, she ensured that little got past them. Not her best game, but she did enough in the middle of the park to ensure the Banyana Banyana defence did not overrun Nigeria.

Rasheedat Ajibade – 7

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade
Photo by Icon Sport

Captain fantastic. Ajibade was all over the pitch for her side, as she led the team well. She was more enterprising in the second half. She created a few openings for the Super Falcons but could not produce a telling one.

Jennifer Echegini – 6.5

Echegini played on the left, moved to the right and dropped to the middle to help the Super Falcons. She saw little offensive play as the Nigerian side was intent on not conceding.

Chinwendu Ihezuo – 5.5

Despite her efforts to get the Super Falcons attack going, like her strike partner Kanu, Ihezuo got little service. It was not her best game for Nigeria.

Uchenna Kanu – 5.5

She had scraps to work with as there was little supply. Kanu swapped wings well with Echegini. She had a fine chance to score in the first half but fluffed her lines.

Toni Payne – 6

Payne did little offensively but did enough to keep the boat from rocking as she grafted in the middle of the park for the Super Falcons.

Esther Okonkwo – 5.5

She could not make a great impact but was adequate as the Super Falcons held on for a draw.

This article was most recently revised and updated 8 months ago

Chooka Izuegbuna
Chooka Izuegbuna is a Sports Journalist with 20 years of experience in print, TV and Radio. He has worked with some of the top media houses in Nigeria, including NTA Network, Channels TV, TVC, Silverbird TV and MITV. Chooka broke his sports reporting teeth with The Game Football Weekly in 2003 as a cartoonist and reporter. Chooka has a passion for football and has been a fan of Enugu Rangers (over 30 years) and Real Madrid (Since 1996).
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