Super Falcons lost to France 2-1 in a tense encounter played at the Raymond-Kopa Stadium, Angers on Saturday, November 30.
Super Falcons coach, Justin Madugu, handed former Sunshine Stars striker Blessing Nkor, her debut as she partnered alongside Montpellier striker, Ifeoma Onumonu to lead the attack. Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne and Gift Monday started in midfield while Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Ashliegh Plumptre and Rofiat Imuran were in defense. Chiamaka Nnadozie maintained her spot in the goal.
The French women started the game on the front foot and got rewarded with a goal in the 9th minute, however VAR came to the rescue of the Super Falcons as the goal was chalked off. 20 minutes after, Eugenie Le Sommer scored from a cutback to give France the lead, and this time the goal counted to make the score line 1-0.
Less than 10 minutes after conceding, the Super Falcons failed to clear their lines and were punished by Amel Majri as she added the second for The Blues.
On the cusp of half-time, in-form striker, Ifeoma Onumonu made history as she scored Super Falcons’ first ever goal against France to half the deficit.
The Super Falcons kept pushing for an equalizer in the second half in a bid to avoid defeat. In the 72nd minute, Shukurat Damilola, Yina Adoo, and Rinsola Babajide replaced Michelle Alozie, Jeniffer Echegini, and Gift Monday as Madugu sought to introduce youthful energy and enthusiasm in an attempt to turn the game on its head. Mercy Omokwo was also introduced to replace Toni Payne in the 90th minute.
The match ended in dramatic fashion as Osinachi Ohale was red carded in the last action of the game which eventually ended 2-1 in favor of France. However, The Super Falcons will be motivated by their performance as preparations continue for the WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.
