The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 is currently taking place in Australia and New Zealand. This weekend marks the start of the Round of 16 with some exciting matches scheduled.
Sixteen teams remain in the competition, including three from Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco. Unfortunately, Zambia was eliminated in the group stage, leaving only these three teams to carry the continent's flag.
This weekend, Africa's representatives will face challenging opponents in the round of 16. Nigeria's Super Falcons will play against England's three Lionesses, while South Africa will compete against the Netherlands. Additionally, debutants Morocco will face a formidable French team.
Although the eight final match-ups may seem challenging, particularly for South Africa and Morocco, who are making their debuts at this stage of the competition, they possess the necessary qualities to create more history for the continent.
Based on their performances in the group stage, these talented women are highly anticipated to showcase their skills on the field this upcoming weekend.
In this article, we will explore the potential impact of Asisat Lamina Oshoala and other African stars in the upcoming round of 16.
FIFA WWC 2023: African Players to Watch in the Round of 16
1. Asisat Oshoala
Nigeria has participated in 3 tournament editions and will take on one of the competition's favorites England, on Monday.
Asisat Oshoala, a forward for Barcelona, has played a pivotal role in the Super Falcons of Nigeria's success in this tournament. They finished second in Group B without a single loss, thanks to their win against co-host Australia and draws against Canada and Ireland.
Despite starting on the bench, the 28-year-old Nigerian player made a crucial contribution to her team's win against Australia when she came on and scored the goal that ultimately secured the victory.
She has now scored three times in the World Cup and becomes the first African player to score in three different world cups.
Nigeria's coach Randy Waldrum confirmed the importance of the forward in their team.
“She’s such a force physically, She can create problems when we talked about her role, she’s like any player, she wants to be on all the time," said Coach Waldrum.
2. Chiamaka Nnadozie
Chiamaka Nnadozie, the goalkeeper of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, has been putting up an impressive performance in the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup. She played a pivotal role in the team's 3-2 victory against Australia and managed to keep clean sheets against Canada and the Republic of Ireland.
Her exceptional performance was highlighted by a penalty save in the competition opener against Canada.
3. Thembi Kgatlana
South Africa became the second African team to qualify for the knockout stage. The Banyana Banyana Captain and striker, Thembi Kgatlana, scored the match-winner against Italy as the Rainbow Nation reached the last 16 for the first time.
She produced a five-star performance in South Africa's 3-2 win against Italy and now has another chance to lead Desiree Ellis to the last eight.
Kgatlana is expected to partner with Hildah Magaia to lead the attack for South Africa against the Netherlands.
4. Anissa Lahmari
The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco reached their last 16 in just their first attempt at the competition, thanks to a goal from Anissa Lahmari, which secured victory over Colombia.
Their progress to the round of 16 has been dramatically influenced by the likes of Anissa Lahmari. The 26-year-old Guingamp Féminine midfielder hopes to continue her excellent form against France on Tuesday.
5. Ghizlane Chebbak
AS FAR forward, Ghizlane Chebbak is also one to watch for the Atlas Lionesses. The experienced forward missed a penalty against Colombia on Thursday but will be looking to get back to her full potential on Tuesday.
6. Khadija Er-Rmichi
Goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi has been phenomenal in his last two games, where she has kept two clean sheets and will face another big challenge against France.
Final Words
As the competition narrows down to 16 teams, the 8th finals are set to begin on Saturday, August 5th, 2023. The remaining African teams will take the field on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, with their key players expected to play crucial roles for their teams.
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