International friendly: Super Falcons test might against France in Angers

The Super Falcons will show their fans a glimpse of what to expect in their new era when they meet their French counterparts, Les Bleues, in an international friendly game in the city of Angers today.

This game is the first against a European side since Madugu took over from the hugely successful Randy Waldrum, who left the job after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Madugu led the side to two impressive defeats of Algeria in friendly games in Ikenne and Lagos, but today’s opponents are of a different class.

The match comes up inside the 18,000-capacity Stade Raymond Kopa – home ground of Ligue 1 side Angers SCO, and which was opened in 1912 and renovated seven years ago.

Madugu and his charges had their first official training session at the match venue yesterday evening, with the coach robbed of a defender following injury to Turkey-based dependable center-back Oluwatosin Demehin.

Both teams last clashed nearly five-and-half years ago, when the Super Falcons needed a result to progress to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals. Hosts France edged the tie by the odd goal, after Wendie Renard’s twice-taken penalty kick with 11 minutes left on the clock. The defeat notwithstanding, the Super Falcons made the Round of 16 as results in another pool weighed in their favour, while France finished top of their group with the maximum nine points from three matches.

This night, Madugu will have to decide which of England-based Rofiat Imuran and home-girl Sikiratu Isah will pair veteran Osinachi Ohale at the heart of the defence, with Michelle Alozie and returning Ashley Plumptre expected to man the wing-back positions. Madugu may also decide to use another home-girl, Shukurat Oladipo in her accustomed centre-back position.

Po