The Super Falcons began their Women's African Cup of Nations campaign yesterday against the Bayana Bayana of South Africa.
The Super Falcons came into the game on the back of being the most successful team ever since the inception of the competition, and we're basking well in that euphoria.
However yesterday's Group C opener between the two teams was a repeat of the 2018 finals, where the falcons emerged victorious.
But during yesterday's game that wouldn't be the case, as goals from Seoposenwe and Magaia in the 60th and 62nd minute respectively would condemn the super falcons to a defeat in their opening game in this year's WAFCON tournament.
Despite the Super Falcons loss they're five things we noticed in yesterday's game.
•The Old Guns Flatter to Decieve:
The inclusion of captain Onome Ebi and Rita Chikwelu didn't auger well for the falcons.
Onome Ebi who happens to be the oldest player in this tournament is 39 years of age, while Rita Chikwelu is 34. The pair didn't bring their experience to bare in yesterday's game.
They were some misplaced passes from the Ebi, and Chikwelu on the other hand couldn't control proceedings in the middle of the park.
At this point, it is important for the duo to take a lesson from Ahmed Musa, and make way for the young guns in the team. Knowing fully well that their spirit is willing but their body can no longer do the job.
•Randy Waldrum's Tactical Deficiency:
The Super Falcons coach wasn't tactical enough in his team selection and in making those timely substitutions when needed.
The flexibility in changing tactics especially after the first half of play was not effected by the technical crew, therefore raising questions on whether he's the man for the job.
•Ashleigh Plumptre's Cool Calm Composure:
The left full back was quite impressive in the left back position, considering the fact that she was just making her debut in the competition.
The Leicester city defender made darting runs in the left flank, had successful tackles and was often ambitious with the ball going forward.
Although her stamina is something she'll have to work on, considering the physicality of African football.
•Defensive Organization:
The defence line of the falcons marshalled by captain Onome Ebi and Ohale didn't live up to expectations.
The defence line of the falcons lacked organization, and was usually stretched via long balls; their offside organization was poor and their decision to zonal mark instead of man marking didn't pay off against the South African ladies.
•Midfield Creativity:
The midfield controlled by the evergreen Rita Chikwelu didn't do more in the aspect of creativity for the fowards.There was no synergy in building and creating clear cut chances for the attackers.
The absence of this meant that the Super Falcons were unable to break a more compact and resilient South African defense, and the likes of Oshoala and Onumonu were only left to feed up from scraps from the wingers, as they were no supplies from the midfield.
With the above, coach Randy Waldrum would have to go back to his drawing board to see how he could correct some of the mistakes from the South Africa game, so as to come out victorious in their next game against Botswana next tomorrow, and by extension go on to achieve the La Decimal.