Five players tipped to propel Falcons in Canada

5 Loveth Ayila – This 20 year old Makwada Babes striker was one of the players that did put a good showing at last year’s Canada U20 Women World Cup where apart from her beautifully taken goal against England that put the Falconets level, her overall performances in terms of shots on target and tackles were immense. Her hard work paid off as she was named as of the players who were promoted to senior the national team immediately after the Mundial and was also part of the title winning African Women Championship side in Namibia. She’s expected to be the team’s joker in Canada where she could be brought on as the game progresses to make impact.
4 Onome Ebi- Having represented Nigeria at the last two World Cups, the Olympics and three Africa Women Championships, this FK Minsk defender has a lot to offer in terms of experience and maturity. Her ability to read the game well and stop the attacking threat of opposing teams makes her one of the players’ Coach Okon will be counting on to make impact on the field of play. The former Bayelsa Queens star said recently that the Falcons will do everything humanely possible to meet the expectations of Nigerians and with her in the team, a lot should be expected.
3 Francesca Ordega- This player who plies her trade with Washington Spirits in the US National Women League is considered to be the engine room of the team due to her creativity at the middle of the park. She is also one of the most experienced having appeared at both the World Cup and the Olympics previously. With her in the team, the strikers wouldn’t suffer a short supply of the ball. Her familiarity with North American climate makes her one of the pillars of this team in Canada.
2 Desire Oparanozie- Before the emergence of Oshoala, Oparanozie was the star of the Falcons team, young, energetic and hungry for goals, the Guingamp FC striker was the highest goal scorer at the last AWC in Namibia and has been Nigeria’s most prolific goal getter in recent years bagging over 50 goals since her debut in 2008. Her combination with Oshoala has made this the most exciting attack line the team has ever paraded and all eyes will be on the duo to see how they would take on the world.
1 Asisat Oshoala – What haven’t we said about her? Most Valuable Player U20 Women World Cup and AWC 2014, Golden Boot winner, CAF African female player of the year and nominee for BBC World Player of the year. The Liverpool Ladies forward seem to be in her prime at this time which is why some pundits are calling this “Oshoala’s World Cup” As the number one player on the continent at this time and one of the most talented in the global game, a lot is expected of this player as the Mundial commences in few days’ time. Considering the heartache she suffered with the Falconets in same country last year, it is hoped that will inspire her best performance to clinch the ultimate gong this time around.