The Nigerian women's national football team, known as the Super Falcons, secured a 3-0 victory against New Zealand in a friendly match held in Antalya, Turkey on Tuesday. This win marks the third consecutive victory for the 11-time African champions. The team captain, Onome Ebi, headed the Super Falcons in front after 34 minutes at the Mardan Sports Complex. Her goal turned the game around after the Football Ferns put pressure on the Nigerian defence in the first quarter of the hour.
Spain-based forward Rasheedat Ajibade missed narrowly with a left-footed shot in the 21st minute. Still, there was no stopping the inspired Ebi 13 minutes later as she nodded in a cross by Toni Payne. Jennifer Echegini extended the Super Falcons’ lead in the 48th minute after some excellent wing play by Michelle Alozie. Hannah Wilkinson came close to reducing the tally in the 62nd minute, but goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie intervened quickly to keep the scoreline at 2-0.
The Super Falcons continued to launch attacks into the Ferns’ half of the field. Gift Monday replaced Asisat Oshoala, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene came in for Toni Payne, and Glory Ogbonna replaced Michelle Alozie. Forward Desire Oparanozie had the last laugh with a typical goal in added time, holding up the ball and slicing past the goalkeeper, even with a defender stuck on her.
The Falcons have now scored six goals in their last three matches, conceding only one. At the FIFA Women's World Cup finals scheduled for July 20 to Aug. 20, Nigeria will play in Group B against co-hosts Australia, the Republic of Ireland, and Canada.
Nigeria has a history of strong women's football teams, with the Super Falcons being the most successful in Africa, with eleven continental championships. However, they have not been able to replicate that success at the FIFA Women's World Cup, where they have reached the knockout stages three times but never advanced beyond the quarterfinals.
The friendly match against New Zealand provides a good opportunity for the Super Falcons to prepare for the Women's World Cup. Nigeria will face tough competition in Group B, with Australia, ranked seventh in the world, and Canada, ranked eighth, both considered strong contenders. The Republic of Ireland, ranked 31st, will be a less challenging opponent, but the Super Falcons will need to be at their best to advance to the knockout stages.
Nigeria's Super Falcons will need to build on their recent success and work on their weaknesses to have a chance of making history at the Women's World Cup. With the right preparation and a strong team spirit, they could become the first African team to reach the semifinals or beyond at the Women's World Cup.
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