The exciting thing about Mission X, isn’t that Super Falcons are THAT exceptional (we know they are), it is that, no team is distinctively better than Super Falcons on the continent right now– and that itself is a ting of concern.
(I promise, this is no typo)
Intro:
When the squad was released, there were a lot of ruckus. I mean, before the squad was released, the ladies had not played a competitive match in eight months, with their last match being the narrow 2-1 defeat to France.
The squad’s release after so much speculation stirred the interest of fans, while the omission of the versatile goal-scoring winger, Gift Monday, caused the loudest roar for obvious reasons, there are other slightly concerning omissions (and inclusions) that raises brows.
Let’s dive in:
The Squad:
Madugu’s Falcons’ score goals, he wants his team to attack and score goal. While his predecessor focuses on keeping the ball when the team has it, and focusing on shutting out the opponent to ensure they don’t conceded, the sixty-one year old gaffer has gone the opposite route, and you see the current team make more runs into the opponent box, than they’d normally do.
For instance, Super Falcons have scored 24 goals in the last (or first) ten matches that the interim coach has been in charge, which is more than twice what Randy Waldrum’s Falcons scored (11).
One might argue about the disparity in the quality of opponents, but the point remains- Madugu’s Falcons want to score goals, and if there is any confirmation you need, then take a look at the “Forwards” and the attacking midfielders in the squad.
Inclusions and omissions:
While everyone was probably expecting a sixth (and hopefully final) appearance for the legendary general, Asisat Oshoala, no one could foresee the inclusion of the WAFCON veteran and once in a while fashion queen– Francisca Ordega, especially as they both came in place of Gift Monday (and probably Uchenna Kanu), another attacker we are shocked to not see.
Yes it was great to have Florence Ijamilusi in the squad ; all eyes have been on her since that mouth-watering hat-trick she scored against Algeria last year October, but the question everyone’s mouth was
Who is Chioma Okafor?
Well, Chioma Okafor is a college soccer for the University of Connecticut (UConn). She was part of the All-BIG EAST Second Team & Freshman Team in 2022, United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American in 2023, and a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist (just like Deborah Abiodun). She was also part of the First Team All-BIG EAST in 2024.
Omissions:
Alongside Gift Monday; other minor overlooked omissions includes Rofiat Imuran and Uchenna Kanu. For whatever best known reason, Mr Madugu hasn’t being a fan of the London City Lioness’ defender who has risen through the ranks and establishing herself has one of the burgeoning Left-backs in Modern game. The reason why Miracle Usani (despite her ebullience, zeal and zest), was picked ahead of Rofiat is still a mystery.
No one seemed fuzzed about Uchenna Kanu’s omission especially with the array of attackers, but with her penchant for scoring goals be missed?
Drawing the curtain;
The Super Falcons seem ready to snatch back their crown, the question is, will other continents including the host and reigning champions let this happen and how exactly can they stop these continental power house with blazing attack?
Well, stay-tuned for the next edition.
P:S- If you were going to select a starting 11 for Super Falcons, who will be in your starting 11, and who will be on the bench?
Write back to us, and we might just publish your opinion.
See you tomorrow?