Nigeria’s Super Falcons kicked off their campaign at the Africa Women Cup of Nations in Cameroun on Sunday with a 6-0 bashing of their opponents from Mali. The match, played at the Stade Municipale de Limbe, proved to be a stroll in the park for the Nigerian team, with the Malians providing little in the way of a sustained threat to the African Champions.
Four goals from Arsenal Ladies’ star Asisat Oshoala and one each from Francesca Ordega and Uchechi Sunday sank any hopes the Malians had of impeding Nigeria’s march towards retaining the AWCON trophy. With the win, Nigeria now sits at the top of Group B. The Falcons are widely expected to progress from the group stage; Ghana appears to be the only real challenge they will face at this initial stage.
Despite the non-inclusion of forward Desire Oparanozie in the Falcons’ starting lineup, Nigeria’s attacking strength seemed undiminished. They could have put more balls past Mali’s goalkeeper, Samako Goundo, if they had been more ruthless in front of goal.
The Super Falcons will go into their next game against Ghana on Wednesday, 23 November, knowing that a win against their West African neighbors could further tip the odds of qualifying from Group B in their favour.