Reigning African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria will go for an outright win against Cote d’Ivoire in their Tokyo 2020 Olympics women’s football tournament, African qualifying second round first leg clash in Abidjan on Thursday, according to Acting Head Coach Christopher Danjuma.
Read how Oshoala’s goal condemned Algeria to defeat in Lagos
Danjuma told the NFF on Wednesday from the Ivorian capital that a win is non-negotiable as the Super Falcons want to make the return leg in Nigeria on Monday an easier session for themselves.
“We know the Ivorians are a strong team; we could only beat them on penalties during the WAFU Cup of Nations. However, it is a new day and an altogether new contest on Thursday and we will go for an outright win.
“The Super Falcons have the capacity to dominate and score goals that will make the second leg in Lagos a formality.”
Thursday’s encounter will take place at the Stade Parc des Sports de Treichville, as from 3.30pm Ivorian time (4.30pm Nigeria).
The Falcons, who are staying at the Grand Hotel in Abidjan will have a feel of the match venue during the official training scheduled for 3:30pm Ivorian time on Wednesday.
World football governing body, FIFA has appointed Togolese Vincentia Amedome as referee, with her compatriots Kossiwa Kpadenou, Abra Sitsofe Agbedanou and Edoh Kindedji as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively.
Tempa Ndah from Benin Republic will serve as referee assessor while Fatoumata Guindo from Mali will be the match commissioner.
18 FALCONS IN ABIDJAN
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie; Tochukwu Oluehi
Defenders: Ugochi Emenayo; Glory Ogbonna; Osinachi Ohale; Chidinma Okeke; Maryam Ibrahim; Ihuoma Onyebuchi
Midfielders: Amarachi Okoronkwo; Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene; Regina Otu; Cecilia Nku; Chinaza Uchendu
Forwards: Asisat Oshoala; Francisca Ordega; Gift Monday; Rafiat Sule; Rasheedat Ajibade
Just like they did against Algeria, the Super Falcons will look to get the job done in the first leg on Thursday evening before returning to Lagos for the second leg four days later.