Nigeria Women’s football team gradually hits form before FIFA World Cup
By Ed Emeanua
The Super Falcons continued their winning ways going three wins from three games with a 3-0 roasting of the formidable Football Ferns of New Zealand at the Mardan Sports Complex, Antalya, Turkey.
Yet, it was the New Zealand Women’s team that started the game on a frenzied pitch by pilling pressure on the defensive end of the Nigerian Women’s football side edging out 6 back to back corner kicks before the 30 minute mark of the international challenge game.
Slowly, Randy Waldrum’s Women began to find their rhythm, gradually pinning back the opponent in the end of the field. Then, skipper Onome Ebi looped his header off Michelle Alozie’s corner kick over Victoria Esson in goal for New Zealand to open the scoring in the 35th minute.
Super Falcons continued their domination in the second half Onyi Echegini registering the second goal for the Nigerians at the 48th minute mark of the tie.
New Zealand was awoken by Nigeria’s second goal of the game and cranked up their offensive tactics hoping to turn the tide on the Nigerians.
However, Nigeria’s defensive formation of Alozie, Rofiat Imuran, Blessing Demehin, and Echegini masterfully repelled the Jacqui Hand and Hannah Wilkinson martialed attacking line, which included Malia Steinmetz, Betsy Hassett, Grace Jale, and Gabbie Renie.
Veteran Nigeria forward Desire Oparanozie swung the tie to Nigeria’s favor by scoring the third goal for the Africans in injury time.
The Africans have gradually turned around a spate of poor runs under manager Waldrum and appear to be hitting their peak few less than 100 days to go before the start of the Women’s World Cup 2023.
