Falconets Slay Senegal in Slim but Sumptuous Sweep

The Falconets, at home, had it tough-going against Senegal in the first leg of the World Cup qualifier this weekend.

Playing 4-3-3, Nigeria caused problems at the flanks but didn't have enough bodies in the opposition 18 yard box to capitalise.

Seconds after coming on as a sub, number 3 Kindness Ifeanyi tore the back of the net with a wicked header off a corner kick in 49 minutes.

1:0. There would be no more goals.

Before then, it was a slightly cagey affair as Senegal too had found joy down the flanks where their troublesome crosses troubled Nigeria at times.

Woman-mountain Janet, who held up play competently upfront, was forced off due to an unfortunate injury.

Nigeria’s passing routines were nice as was their adherence to formation discipline. There were pockets of individual brilliance from players like Shakirat Moshood, Ramota Kareem before she was subbed and Kindness Ifeanyi whose runs behind enemy line and shots were a wet dream to me. Even homunculus midfielder Taiwo Afolabi was pulling strings with silky passes before she was hauled off.

The entire team looked dialled in and firmly focused on the task on hand. If I am asked to describe their play, I would say they play a lot on grass, working it to the flanks to deliver crosses.

Their attacking midfield does a good job opening up space and creating opportunities whilst the wingbacks push high. All in all, they exhibit a discernible pattern, a definite identity, a defined structure.

The second leg will be a fight to finish as the Senegalese showed that they could hurt the Nigerians if Moses Aduku’s Hoplomachus-Harem should bite on the ampoules of complacency .

For now, well done to the Falconets.