After Sunday’s loss to South Africa, the Super Falcons have returned to their winning ways with an assertive win over the Shepolopolo of Zambia on Wednesday, November 21, 2018.
Four goals from the Super Falcons sent a very clear message to Zambia and every other team in Group B of the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations — that the Nigerian girls are ready to bring down any challenge in their way to retain the AWCON title.
In the first half, the Shepolopolo proved quite resilient, and would not let the Falcons through their defense lines without a good fight. However, in the 43rd minute, a brilliant display by Francesca Ordega to set up Desire Oparanozie, who blasted the ball into an open net, saw Nigeria take a well deserved first half lead.
Minutes into the second half, Ordega got on the score board when she smartly drove in a rebound after Oparanozie attempt hit the crossbar.
With a two-goal lead, the Falcons began mounting more pressure on their opponent’s side of the pitch, though the Zambians were strong, they could only do so much to keep the fierce Nigerians at bay.
Soon enough they broke, and Nigeria picked a third goal via FC Robo striker Rasheedat Ajibade, who sent a direct hit that first bounced off the crossbar into goal.
Amarachi Okonkwo sealed the win for Nigeria with her goal to make it 4-0.
For her quick-wit during the game, Ordega won the Total Woman of the Match.
The Falcons are now second in the Group B table, behind South Africa who defeated Equatorial Guinea 7-1 yesterday.
Nigeria will face Equatorial Guinea on Saturday in a decisive encounter, while South Africa will take on Zambia on the same day.
Watch match highlights
