France 2019: Injury ends Falcons defender’s campaign

Falcons defender, Faith Michael will play no further part for Nigeria at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup after sustaining a ligament injury in Nigeria’s opening group match against Norway last Saturday at the Stade Auguste-Delaune in France.

The Pitea IF right back was taken off the pitch in the 53rd minute after colliding with goalkeeper, Tochukwu Oluehi in an effort to clear the ball.

Ahead of today’s must-win-encounter, head coach, Thomas Dennerby has replaced the veteran defender with Chidinma Okeke, a former junior international who featured for Nigeria at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup also staged in France last year summer. She was impressive against the Norwegians when she replaced Michael in the 53rd minute on Saturday.

Today’s group A clash against the Korea Republic is scheduled for the Stade des Alpes in the city of Grenoble for 3 pm Nigeria time.

22 players trained at the Stade Eugène Thenard on the Avenue du General de Charles Gaulle, on Tuesday

Head coach, Thomas Dennerby will stick with the central defensive pairing of Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale, while Ngozi Ebere maintains her left back position. In the midfield, Dennerby will decide whether to once more go with the trio of Ngozi Okobi, Rita Chikwelu, and Halimatu Ayinde, or rest the latter for Portugal –based Chinaza Uchendu.

Desire Oparanozie, Asisat Oshoala, and Francisca Ordega will be saddled with the assignment of getting the goals that will keep Falcons’ hopes of remaining in France beyond 17th June.

Read Also: France 2019: We underrated Norway–Falcons captain

While Nigeria and Korea DPR have squared up to each other on two occasions at the FIFA World Cup (one win each way), it is a first meeting for the Super Falcons and the Koreans of the south.