Women’s W/Cup: Falcons Open On Losing Not0065 …Go Down To France 1-0

Nigeria’s 12-year winless streak at the FIFA Women’s World Cup continued on Sunday as the Super Falcons fell 1-0 to France in the first match of the tournament.

Marie-Laure Delie poked home from close range after 56 minutes as the French held on to claim the win.

Perpetua Nkwocha, Ebere Orji and Desire Oparanozie all had chances for Nigeria but failed to take them.

Buoyed by the introduction of German assistant coach Thomas Oblias to the coaching staff, the Falcons looked more composed than usual in their defensive organisation. But the price they paid for that was sacrificng their counter-attacking verve.

Uche Eucharia’s two-strong midfield was overrun for large parts of the game, leaving the dangerous Perpetua Nkwocha isolated and with no supply.

The first chance though, did fall to her when she was played in by Gloria Iroka. Nkwocha zipped off down the right channel, but took on one player too many before being forced off the ball.

France’s response was a stunning effort from range, which produced a magical save from Nigeria captain Precious Dede. From the corner kick, Thinney struck the post as Nigeria reeled.

But the best chance of the half by far, fell to Ugochi Oparanozie. Iroka won the ball in transition, and played her in behind on a rapier-quick counter. Her pacegot her on a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but she dragged her purchase well wide when through on goal.

The Nigerian girls were hamstrung further when Faith Ikidi, who had her hands full dealing with Louisa ‘Zidane’ Necib and Sonia Bompastor on the left side, was forced off with what appeared to be stomach trouble just before half time.

The loss was immediate as the second period resumed, although Nigeria threatened first. Mbachu delivered a loping cross, goalkeeper Berangere Sapowicz flapped and Wendie Renard was just on hand to head the ball clear of the lurking Ebere Orji.

And then came the breakthrough. France attacked again down the right channel, Necib delivered a superb ball into the middle, Osinachi Ohale hacked at thin air, and Delie put the ball away.

The French tired towards the end, but Nigeria failed to respond with a change in tactics, and Nigeria continue to wait to snap that losing streak since Mercy Akide’s winner earned them victory over Denmark in 1999.

Moments later, hosts Germany got off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Canada. They now lead Group A after the first round of matches.

Nigeria will now hope to claw results against Germany and then Canada to stay in the competition.