The 5 things we learned as Nigeria set up AFCON final against hosts Ivory Coast
FootballParis 2024 Olympics: Three Cameroon Players That Nigeria’s Super Falcons Must Be Wary of
- The qualifying series for the 2024 Olympics in Paris is in full swing
- The Super Falcons of Nigeria square off against Cameroon’s Lionesses
- Sports Brief highlights three players the Super Falcons must be wary of
The stage is set for an exciting clash as the Super Falcons prepare to face their long-standing rivals, the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, in the first leg of the final rounds of the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers.
After a convincing 5-1 aggregate victory over Ethiopia, Randy Waldrum's side are in prime position to secure another win, this time against the Lionesses at the Stade de la Reunification, in Doula.
While the Super Falcons have historically dominated this matchup, they must be careful of the challenge posed by the Cameroonian team, which have significantly improved in recent years under the guidance of coach, Jean Baptiste Bisseck. The Lionesses now boast of a young and talented squad who appear determined to mark an era.
However, as the anticipation builds ahead of this crucial fixture, Sports Brief highlights three key players from the Cameroonian team that the Super Falcons must be wary of.
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Three Cameroon players to keep an eye on
Ngock Grace
The 30-year-old veteran is undoubtedly the backbone of the Lionesses team. The talented midfielder has consistently demonstrated her dynamism and ability to orchestrate play on numerous occasions.
The EA Guingamp star boasts a relentless work ethic, astute passing skill, and adept tackling abilities that will be crucial in disrupting the Super Falcons' rhythm and dictating the pace of the game.
Grace, with her exceptional vision and creativity, could effortlessly unlock Nigeria’s defence with her incisive passes to forward, Gabrielle Onguene.
Gabrielle Onguene
Another stalwart of the Cameroonian national team, the CSKA Moscow star remains a formidable threat to any defence she faces.
AFCON 2023: 3 tactical benefits of Nigeria’s formation at the showpiece in Ivory Coast
FootballThe 34-year-old possesses blistering pace and dazzling skills that often prove overwhelming for opponents. Her clinical finishing ability is unmatched, and her directness, coupled with the ability to effortlessly shoot with both feet, makes her unpredictable. Additionally, she often resorts to long-range shots that can catch goalkeepers unaware.
The Super Falcons' defence must display discipline to stop her, as she presents the potential to single-handedly alter the outcome of the game.
Ndanza Collette
The Lionesses have shown themselves to be a defensively adept side in recent years, thanks in large part to the exceptional skills of Collette. The Stade de Reims defender is swiftly becoming a cornerstone of the Cameroon defence line.
The 23-year-old’s agility, strength, and aerial prowess make her a formidable opponent for any attacker. Her in-game reading of the play, combined with her ability to anticipate danger, will be crucial in thwarting the Super Falcons' potent attack.
Ivory Coast striker seeks revenge against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in AFCON final
FootballFinidi George explains Nigeria’s AFCON defeat
Sports Brief in another report stated that Super Eagles of Nigeria assistant coach, George Finidi, has explained why Nigeria lost the AFCON final against Ivory Coast.
The 52-year-old attributed the Ivorian victory to the Nigerian team's deep-lying defensive approach on the night.