France head coach Corinne Diacre has predicted a tough battle for her side when they come up against the Super Falcons of Nigeria in their last group game at the FIFA Women’s World Cup next week Monday, reports Completesports.com.
The hosts defeated Norway 2-1 in Nice on Wednesday to maintain their perfect start to the competition.
Valerie Gauvin gave France the lead early in the second half.
Amel Majri’s cross found Gauvin, who got in front of Chelsea’s Maria Thorisdottir to send the ball into the net.
Norway equalised eight minutes later when Wendie Renard put the ball into her own net.
A penalty by Eugenie Le Sommer, after Marion Torrent was fouled by Ingrid Syrstad Engen, earned France three points in the game.
France top Group A with six points from two games – three ahead of second-placed Norway and third-placed Nigeria – with one group game left against Nigeria on Monday.
”I am going to relax, think about it tomorrow, then we will reflect on things – what we can do, who may stay on the bench because we did have some injuries and let them recover,”Diacre told reporters after her side victory against the Norwegians.
”We are going to have to think about this long and hard.
”Norway gave us a hard time, Nigeria will probably do the same. For the time being, now we are just going to stay put and fight hard to win that match against Nigeria”.
The France versus Nigeria game will be played at the Roazhon Park, Rennes. Kick-off is 8pm Nigerian time.
