The Ethiopia vs Nigeria Super Falcons match live is on October 25, with the Nigerian side pursuing an Olympic ticket after missing out on the last three editions.
The Super Falcons are in a mini-bind as they prepare for their Wednesday 2024 Olympic qualifying clash with Lucy of Ethiopia.
Abebe Bikila Stadium, Addis Ababa will host the match. The Super Falcons camp is in high spirits despite the conspicuous absentees in the squad.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will find it an arduous mission to receive forgiveness from Nigerian fans if they bungle the qualification series.
The Super Falcons have a few issues ahead of this all-important clash.
Where to watch the Ethiopia vs Nigeria Super Falcons match live
The most conspicuous absentee is the team coach – Randy Waldrum. The American manager is negotiating a new contract with the NFF, with his current deal to expire on 30 October.
Reports suggest Waldrum is engaged during this period and would not be available.
Among the absent playing staff include Super Falcons rock-solid defender Osinachi Ohale, who plays for Pachuca FC of Mexico, Christy Ucheibe of Portuguese club SL Benfica and midfielder Regina Otu, who missed the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand in the summer.
Midfielder Esther Onyenezide, who impressed at last year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Costa Rica as Nigeria reached the quarter-finals, has been drafted to take the place of 2023 FIFA World Cup star Halimatu Ayinde in Nigeria’s squad.
A delegation of home-based players and technical and backroom staff from Nigeria flew into Addis Ababa on Sunday for the first-leg encounter.
🚨 Update: I won't be joining the Nigeria women's national team for our upcoming match against Ethiopia due to circumstances beyond my control. Wishing my Super Falcons teammates all the strength and success on the pitch in Addis Ababa! 🇳🇬⚽ #SuperFalcons #Paris2024 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/xQdnSebUC3
— Ayinde Halimatu (@ayindecharity) October 23, 2023
How Nigeria and Ethiopia got to the second round
The Super Falcons and Lucy of Ethiopia reached the second round via different routes.
While the Nigerian side drew bye to book a date with the winners of the Ethiopia and Chad tie, the Ethiopian side had to work for their ticket.
Lucy had a comprehensive victory over Chad. They won the first leg 6-0 and 4-0 in the second leg for an aggregate of 10-0 to set up a date with the nine-time African champions.
🇳🇬 Excited to announce that I've been invited to join the Nigeria's senior women's national team! 🙌🤩 It's an honor to represent my country and wear the green and white. 🦅⚽ Can't wait to give it my all and make Nigeria proud against Ethiopia! 🇳🇬💪 #Nigeria #SuperFalcons pic.twitter.com/ACUgLrNli0
— Esther Onyenezide (@EOnyenezide10) October 23, 2023
Players the Super Falcons must watch out for
Loza Abera
Loza Abera is the captain of the Ethiopian women's national team. Her experience brings a calming mien to Lucy.
Rediet Asresahegn
Rediet Asresahegn made her mark by scoring a pivotal goal against Burundi, contributing to Ethiopia's progression to the second round of Women's AFCON qualifications.
She is a goal scorer that portends danger to the Nigerian defence.
Aregash Kalsa
Aregash Kalsa is another goal scorer that the Super Falcons need to be wary of.
She showcased her goal-scoring prowess in a comprehensive 6-0 victory against Chad during the first round of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifier, netting two goals.
Where to watch Ethiopia vs Nigeria Super Falcons match live
If you intend to watch the Ethiopia vs Nigeria Super Falcons match live, then you have a few options.
However, the options are limited. The game will be available on the YouTube account of the Nigeria Football Federation and also on DSTV.
Super Falcons squad vs Ethiopia:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Monle Oyono (Bayelsa Queens)
Defenders: Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Paris Saint Germain, France); Jumoke Alani (Edo Queens); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France)
Midfielders: Esther Onyenezide (FC Robo Queens); Peace Efih (Sporting Club de Braga, Portugal); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, USA); Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona Feminine, Spain); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Opeyemi Ajakaye (FC Robo Queens)
This article was most recently revised and updated 11 months ago
