France vs Nigeria | Les Bleues Take On Super Falcons In An International Friendly Match
A thrilling encounter awaits us on November 30, 2024, as France’s Les Bleues face off against Nigeria’s Super Falcons in an international friendly at the Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, France. Both teams are preparing for future international challenges, and this match offers a crucial opportunity to assess their current form. France, ranked 5th globally, will seek to continue their fine form, while Nigeria, now under the guidance of Justin Madugu, will aim to make a statement despite the absence of Asisat Oshoala, who is sidelined due to visa and documentation issues.
Match Overview:
- Date: November 30, 2024
- Venue: Stade Raymond Kopa, Angers, France
- Kick-off: 20:00 CET (Local Time)
France’s Les Bleues are coming off a strong campaign in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they reached the quarterfinals and showcased their flair and technical mastery on the global stage. Head coach Hervé Renard will be looking to further solidify his team’s position among the elite of European football, and this friendly against the Super Falcons offers the perfect opportunity to test his squad’s cohesion and depth.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s team, are determined to continue their dominance on the continent and further their preparations for upcoming competitions. With a rich history of strong performances in major tournaments, the Falcons are led by coach Justin Madugu, and this friendly offers them a valuable chance to face a top-tier European side.
As both teams look to strengthen their squads ahead of major tournaments, this friendly will serve as an important test of their strengths, tactics, and team chemistry. France, under the guidance of manager Hervé Renard, will seek to refine their high-possession, attacking style, while Nigeria, led by coach Justin Madugu, will focus on testing their tactical flexibility and resilience against one of the top European teams.
Recent Form: Last Six Matches
France (Les Bleues):
France has been in strong form, notching impressive results in recent friendlies and in the 2024 Olympic Games. Their mix of youthful talent and experienced leadership makes them one of Europe’s top teams.
- France 3-1 Germany (Friendly, October 2024)
- France 2-0 Morocco (Friendly, September 2024)
- France 1-1 USA (Friendly, July 2024)
2024 Olympic Games:
- France 0-1 Brazil (Quarterfinal, Paris 2024)
- France 2-1 New Zealand (Group Stage, Paris 2024)
- France 1-2 Canada (Group Stage, July 2024)
Recent Form Summary:
France’s last six matches include strong results, with a commanding victory over Germany and an impressive 2-0 win over Morocco in September. Their showing in the 2024 Olympic Games was equally impressive, progressing to the quarter-finals after a 1-0 loss to Brazil and a solid group stage performance, which confirmed their credentials as one of the best teams in the world.
Nigeria (Super Falcons):
The Super Falcons, now under the leadership of Justin Madugu, have had a mixed bag of results in their recent outings. They showed resilience in the 2024 Olympic Games, despite some ups and downs, and have been preparing with several friendlies to sharpen their squad.
- Nigeria 2-0 Algeria (Friendly November, 2024)
- Nigeria 4-1 Algeria (Friendly November, 2024)
- Nigeria 1-1 South Africa (Olympics Qualifier July 2024)
2024 Olympic Games:
- Nigeria 0-1 Brazil (Group Stage, July 2024)
- Japan 3-1 Nigeria (Group Stage, July 2024)
- Spain 1-0 Nigeria (Group Stage, July 2024)
Recent Form Summary:
Nigeria’s form has been mixed in recent months. They showed flashes of brilliance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup but had a poor run at the 2024 Olympic Games, where they lost all of their three preliminary matches.
Head-To-Head
Bothe Nigeria and France have played two games in the past, with the Les Bleues emerging victorious in both encounters. France whip Nigeria 8-0 in an international friendly match back in April 2018. amd secured a 1-0 victory against the Super Falcons during a FIFA Women’s World Cup in June 2011.
Team News:
France (Les Bleues):
- Key Absences: Marie-Antoinette Katoto (forward) and Amel Majri (midfielder) are both recovering from injuries and will miss the match. However, Kadidiatou Diani is fit and will likely lead the attack, while Wendy Renard will continue to be a rock in defence.
- Tactics: Hervé Renard, known for his tactical flexibility, will likely deploy a 4-3-3 formation, with Diani playing a central role in the attack. The midfield will be commanded by Griedge Mbock Bathy, while Wendy Renard will anchor the defence.
Nigeria (Super Falcons):
- Key Absences: The absence of Asisat Oshoala, due to visa and documentation issues, is a major blow for Nigeria. However, Uchenna Kanu and Rita Chikwelu will be key in the attack and midfield respectively.
- Tactics: Justin Madugu is likely to field a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formation. With Oshoala unavailable, Kanu will take on a more prominent role in leading the line. Chikwelu will continue to control the midfield and act as the creative hub for the Falcons.
FIFA Ranking Comparison:
- France: 5th in the FIFA Women’s World Ranking (as of October 2024)
- Nigeria: 40th in the FIFA Women’s World Ranking (as of October 2024)
Analysis:
France’s ranking as the 5th-best team in the world reflects their status as one of the premier sides in international women’s football. Nigeria, ranked 40th, is considered a powerhouse in African football but still trails behind the top-tier teams. The Falcons’ recent results in the 2024 Olympic Games and AWCON show their competitive edge, but they remain an underdog in this matchup against a highly-ranked team like France.
Key Players to Watch:
France:
- Wendy Renard – The experienced central defender will play a key role in organizing the French defense and providing leadership.
- Kadidiatou Diani – A dynamic forward, Diani’s pace and skill on the ball make her a constant threat to opposing defenses.
- Griedge Mbock Bathy – A strong presence in midfield, Mbock Bathy’s ability to break up opposition attacks and distribute the ball will be crucial.
Nigeria:
- Uchenna Kanu – A world-class striker with an eye for goal, Kanu will be looking to make an impact and lead the charge for the Super Falcons.
- Rita Chikwelu – A vital midfield presence for Nigeria, Chikwelu’s creativity and vision will be key to unlocking France’s defense.
- Chiamaka Nnadozie – The talented goalkeeper will be crucial in stopping the attacking threats from France, especially given their firepower up front.
Tactical Preview:
France, under Renard, are known for their fluid attacking play and technical prowess, with a strong emphasis on possession football. Their midfield trio, coupled with the movement of their forwards, will look to dominate possession and create goal-scoring opportunities.
On the other hand, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have often relied on their athleticism and direct style of play. With quick counter-attacks, strong aerial presence, and the creativity of players like Mathias and Chikwelu, they will seek to break down France’s defense with pace and power.
Why This Match Matters:
For both teams, this friendly is an important step in preparation for upcoming tournaments. France is focused on maintaining its competitive edge in European and world football, while Nigeria is keen on testing its strength against one of Europe’s finest in a bid to continue its legacy as the dominant force in African women’s football.
France will be aiming to assert their superiority on home soil and continue building towards future international tournaments like the UEFA Women’s Euro and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Meanwhile, Nigeria will be looking to sharpen its tactics and build momentum for its upcoming continental and global challenges.
The Atmosphere:
Fans in Angers are set to experience an electrifying atmosphere, as the French crowd will surely come out in full support of their team, while Nigerian fans are always vocal in their passion for the Super Falcons. The historic Stade Raymond Kopa, with its intimate and lively setting, will offer the perfect stage for this exciting international clash.
Where the Game Will Be Won and Lost:
- France’s Strength:
France’s strength lies in their ability to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Players like Griedge Mbock Bathy and Amandine Henry will ensure France’s midfield remains strong, while the attacking threat of Kadidiatou Diani and Eve Perisset will put pressure on Nigeria’s defence. The French defence, led by Wendy Renard, is typically strong at set-pieces and aerial duels. - Nigeria’s Strength:
Without Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu and Rita Chikwelu will be crucial for Nigeria’s offensive play. The Falcons’ ability to exploit counter-attacks and capitalize on set-pieces will be important against a French side that likes to press high. Chiamaka Nnadozie, as the goalkeeper, will need to be on top of her game to handle the attacking threats from Diani and Diani’s wingers. - Where It Could Be Lost:
Nigeria’s defence may struggle to cope with the fluid passing and creativity of France’s attackers. The absence of Oshoala means Nigeria may lack the same cutting-edge upfront, so Kanu and Chikwelu will need to step up in terms of creativity and finishing. If France dominates possession and suffocates Nigeria’s counter-attacking opportunities, they will likely control the match.
Prediction:
While Nigeria can surprise and is certainly dangerous on the counter-attack, France‘s overall strength, especially in midfield and attack, makes them the favourites for this friendly. The absence of Oshoala is a significant blow for Nigeria, and without their talisman, they may struggle to pose as many threats as usual.
Final Score Prediction:
France 3-1 Nigeria
Final Thoughts:
The friendly between France’s Les Bleues and Nigeria’s Super Falcons promises to be a compelling contest. With France being the more favoured side, given their higher ranking and recent form, Nigeria will need to be at their very best to keep pace. The absence of Asisat Oshoala makes it even more challenging for the Super Falcons, but with Justin Madugu at the helm, they will look to be organized and resilient in defence while looking for chances to counter-attack.
This match will be an excellent test for both teams as they continue their preparations for major upcoming tournaments, including the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2025 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON).
With both teams boasting an abundance of talent and a rich history of success, this match promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Whether you’re a fan of Les Bleues’ precise football or the Super Falcons’ powerful play, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this international friendly. Be sure to tune in for what’s sure to be a captivating contest as both teams look to showcase their strength ahead of future challenges.
Don’t miss it!
Be sure to tune in for what promises to be an exciting contest on November 30, 2024!
Stay tuned for more updates, match previews, and highlights as we lead up to the action-packed showdown on November 30, 2024, in Angers, France!
