With the Australia/New Zealand 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in sight, Nigeria and Haiti were involved in a preparatory game on Friday April 7 in Antalaya Turkey.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Haiti 2-1 courtesy of goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Asisat Oshoala
In the match, the first between Nigeria and Haiti at this level, FC Barcelona Femeni star Asisat Oshoala led the line for the Falcons.
The most decorated female footballer in African football history, Oshoala thought she had opened the scoring within 22 minutes as she swept home from close range, only to be denied by the assistant’s flag for offside.
After a period of extended pressure, the Super Falcons took the lead in the 40th minute through Esther Okoronkwo. Nigeria’s match-winning goal-scorer against Costa Rica in their last game, Okoronkwo drilled a free-kick which squirmed through the grasp of the Haitian goalkeeper to open the scoring for the Falcons.
Atletico Madrid Femenino star Rasheedat Ajibade was close to doubling the advantage on the stroke of half-time as her fizzed strike from the edge of the box flew just wide.
The Super Falcons started the second half same way they ended the first, dominating proceedings against the Haiti Ladies. There was an early scare for the Falcons as young Reims defender Tosin Demehin had to head a goal-bound effort clear to preserve the Falcons lead.
The Falcons were rewarded for their persistence as Oshoala got on the scoresheet in the 58 minute of play. Jennifer Echegini rose highest to direct a header towards goal to force the opposition goalkeeper into a save. Oshoala was at the right place to tap in the rebound for 2-0.
Haiti grew into the game after conceding a second and tested Nnadozie before taking full advantage of a defensive mix-up to pull one back after 75 minutes.
The Super Falcons held on for a morale boosting win as they ramp up preparations for the World Cup. They will face hosts New Zealand in another friendly in this window.
In his reaction to the result of the match, Mr. Alphonse Prophete, a United States of America (USA)-based Haitian football promoter and Coach said: “Very good experience and hoping that both teams are prepared to create a style of play that hopefully will create an equilibrium to contain the rigor and the rapid and systematic style of our European opponents. Wishing you and all the soccer family in Nigeria the Best. As Haitians, we know we are you and you are us. Colonization being the result of our separation. We are one!!!! Let’s go Africa!!!!!”
