USWNT vs. Nigeria: What to Expect From The New Roster
The 2023 World Cup is less than a year away, and the USWNT is gearing up to defend its title in Australia/New Zealand. There’s only so much quality competition they can play to get themselves ready, but their next opponent will be a good test. Nigeria is among the best African teams and poses a different challenge to a team that normally plays against South American and European countries. The USWNT will host two friendlies, one in Kansas City on September 3 and the second on September 6 from Washington D.C. Let’s take a closer look at the roster and break down the two USWNT vs. Nigeria friendlies.
Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski isn’t deviating too much from the team that won the CONCACAF Championship earlier this year. Keeping continuity will be a major key to their success with the World Cup approaching.
Roster
Goalkeepers: Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars).
Defenders: Alana Cook (OL Reign), Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Hailie Mace (Kansas City Current), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC).
Midfielders: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA), Taylor Kornieck (San Diego Wave FC), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit).
Forwards: Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC), Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars), Midge Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC).
Roster Changes
It’s most of the usual suspects, with a small surprise in Sam Coffey making the roster again. She’s playing major minutes for Portland and is being rewarded for her consistency.
Another change is Trinity Rodman missing out due to a prior family commitment. NWSL rookie Savannah DeMelo takes her place. The former USC star has done more than enough to earn the call-up in her first season. Additionally, defender Hailie Mace will replace Kelley O’Hara due to a lingering hip injury.
The team looks younger at the back, and that’s a good thing. Players like Naomi Girma getting more international experience is huge. Tierna Davidson is still out, which means this is a great opportunity to keep developing the younger players at this level.
USWNT Attacking Players
Alex Morgan will surely play a starring role up front as she leads the NWSL with 13 goals. Although Mallory Pugh, Ashley Hatch, and Sophia Smith are great options, whether they start or come off the bench. Midge Purce also has an opportunity to leave her mark despite Gotham’s poor performance in the league this season.
Nigeria
We know the USWNT will come out and attack, but this time they’re going up against a team that loves to push forward as well. Ife Onumonu is a familiar face for American fans and will undoubtedly cause problems with her movement and ability to stretch defenses. Francisca Ordega also could feature in attack and make a return to play her former club, the Washington Spirit, in the second match.
Unfortunately, Asisat Oshoala doesn’t seem like she’s recovered from her injury in time. The Barcelona star is the first African player nominated for the Ballon d’Or. It will be an uphill battle for Nigeria against the USWNT without her. When Oshoala played in this matchup in June of 2021, the score was only 2-0, and the game was pretty competitive. These two matchups might not be as close, but anything can happen, especially in the second match, once Nigeria is familiar with the USWNT after the first matchup.
These two USWNT vs. Nigeria friendlies will be a great measuring stick to see how good they are against quality competition. If they execute, take their chances, and put the games away early, that will likely be the best indicator that this group is ready to take on anyone together.
Featured image via @uswnt on Instagram
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