Nigeria’s female football team, the Super Falcons, on Tuesday afternoon spanked New Zealand’s Ferns to build momentum ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup which gets underway in 100-days.
The Nigerian ladies were perfect to claim a third straight win. Coach Randy Waldrum and the Falcons look to have overcome a poor run of form with victories over World-Cup bound Costa Rica, Haiti and today FIFA World Cup co-hosts New Zealand.
In the match, New Zealand started brightly as made attempts on the Nigerian goal but Paris FC goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and the Onome Ebi marshalled back-line were up to the task.
In the 33rd minute, Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi stepped up to score the opening goal when she connected a corner-kick to head past the help-less Ferns goalkepeer.
New Zealand reacted positively to the set-back and made attempts to equalize but there was no way past the resolute Nigerian backline until the half-time break.
Four minutes after the restart, Nigeria doubled the lead following excellent link-up play from USA based Michelle Alozie and Jennifer Echegini. Alozie found the run of Jennifer Echegini in the box, and the defender had the easy task of tapping the ball into the back of the net for her first international goal.
China-based forward Desire Oparanozie was brought-on in place of Esther Okoronkwo in the 50th minute. The experienced striker added a third in additional time with a fine finish after holding off the challenge from a New Zealand defender.
It finished Nigeria 3-0 New Zealand, morale boosting performances in both games in Antalya, Turkey as preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in June hits final stretch.
