Can Super Falcons Outfox World Champions Spain in Olympic Football?

Nigeria should take their chances against Spain as the glorious one missed by Iheuzo at close range after excellent service from Ajibade proved costly against Brazil.

As can be seen from the outcomes of the first two group games, it's a tough group. So it's going to go down to the wire.

Currently, Japan will qualify for the knockout phase as one of the best 3rd place teams because of the goal scored against Spain.

Spain will hope to seal their passage to the quarter-finals with a win against Nigeria which will give them breathing space for experimentation in thier final game against an obdurate and physically endowed Brazil.

For us Nigeria, a score draw is essential whilst a win will be massive. A loss, however, is out of the question.

To obtain a favourable result, Waldrum needs to restore organization and positional discipline in the team. Ohale has to display impeccable leadership and organizational qualities at the back in tandem with her actual footballing roles and responsibilities.

Abiodun was exceptional against Brazil in how she handled her midfield duties with focus, purpose and drive. Nigeria fans will hope she carries this attitude on.

I will advocate starting Nicole Payne on the right and shunting Alozie to the left due to Okeke's subpar display against Brazil. Payne had greater springs on her steps with sharpness and bite and Alozie looked more comfortable on the left.

Ucheibe's battering ram approach will serve the team well while Demehin will be expected to have eyes behind her head.

In front, Echegini was lightweight on the left flank. I think that position should go to Agbaballer Oshoala due to her raw pace, power and positional discipline. Perhaps Echegini can take the place of Payne in centre attacking midfield where she plays more "as to the manner born".

It goes without saying that Ajibade retains her place on the right due to the finesse and eloquent penetrative abilities she possesses.

The 1 million Naira question for me is who starts up front? Though I am never a fan of Onumonu, I think she has that refined technical ability to manufacture meaningful movements and finish with credibility upfront.

Then you have Esther Okoronkwo who also has well refined centre forward technical skills. Iheuzo as well cannot be written off but, as much as Waldrum might be head over heels in love with her centre forward presentation, she is yet to fully demonstrate superior all round technical superiority over Onumonu and Okoronkwo.

But for me, it will be a mistake to play Oshoala as the main center forward due to her penchant to misdirect several begging goal scoring chances from promising positions.

It remains to be seen whether Chinonyerem Macleans has centre forward currency in the eyes of Waldrum so I don't expect to see her in contention.

Kanu is expected to be a sub.

Whatever Waldrum decides, I have no doubt we have players capable of grinding out a draw or even causing an upset to upstage Spain.