Super Falcons Lose in Hard-Fought Battle Against Les Bleues

The Super Falcons showed determination but were defeated by Les Bleues with a narrow scoreline away from home.

The "Super Falcons" displayed a fighting spirit but succumbed to a 2-1 loss against the "Les Bleues" in an international friendly at the Raymond Kopa Stadium in Angers on Saturday night. The head coach of the "Super Falcons," Justin Madugu, summoned a host of overseas-based players who missed the last international break against Algeria, but it wasn't enough to tame the Europeans.

"France" began the match as the stronger of the two teams, launching attacks on the "Nigerian" goal early on. They believed they had taken the lead in the 9th minute when Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored, but it was ruled offside. In the 29th minute, "France's" dominance bore fruit as Eugénie Le Sommer found the net from a Marie-Antoinette Katoto cross. The "Super Falcons" struggled throughout the first half, finding it difficult to assert themselves as the "French" continued their onslaught.

Amel Majri then made it 2-0 in favor of the "French" in the 37th minute as they looked to tire the "Nigerians". A historic goal for Ifeoma Onumonu came just before halftime when "Nigeria" scored on a swift counterattack. Gift Monday provided the assist for Ifeoma Onumonu, who netted the "Falcons'" goal – their first-ever against "France" at this level.

No further goals were scored in the second half, although Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe had opportunities to level the match for "Nigeria" but failed to seize them. "France" ended the game as the most likely to add to their score, but "Nigerian" goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made two critical saves, keeping the scoreline respectable at 2-1, resulting in "France's" third consecutive win over "Nigeria". "Nigeria" lineup: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Osinachi Ohale, Ashleigh Plumptre, Michelle Alozie (Shukurat Oladipo), Rofiat Imuran, Toni Payne (Mercy Omokwo), Christy Ucheibe, Gift Monday (Rinsola Babajide), Blessing Nkor (Sikiratu Isah), Jennifer Echegini (Yina Adoo) (Josephine Mathias), Ifeoma Onumonu.