Action during International Friendly match between France’s Les Bleues and the Super Falcons of Nigeria, at the Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, France.
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International Friendly: Super Falcons Lose 2-1 To France

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Nigeria’s women’s senior football team, the Super Falcons, suffered a 2-1 loss to France’s Les Bleues in an International Friendly match on Saturday night, at the Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, France.

The Super Falcons were missing key players as captain Rasheedat Ajibade, African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala and defender Olamide Demehin all missed out.

France’s Eugénie Le Sommer opening the scoring in the 29th minute as the hosts dominated the encounter. Then eight minutes later, Amel Majri doubled the lead to stun the Super Falcons.

French players celebrate goal against Nigeria.

However, Nigeria responded shortly before halftime, with Ifeoma Onumonu making history by scoring the first-ever goal for the Super Falcons against France.

Onumonu capitalised on a counter-attack, sprinting from her own half and finishing brilliantly past the French goalkeeper.

The second half saw a more balanced contest, with both teams creating chances, but no additional goals were scored.

However, the match ended on a sour note for Nigeria when veteran defender Osinachi Ohale was sent off in the final stages after receiving two yellow cards, the second of which resulted in a red card. It was the first red card of her 14-year international career.

The defeat is Nigeria’s fourth consecutive loss to France. However, the Super Falcons will take heart from their spirited display.

Super Falcons coach Madugu and his squad will look to build on the lessons learned from this encounter as the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) draws closer.

So far in 2024, the Super Falcons have played 10 matches, winning four, drawing two and losing four, a record they will be eager to improve as they aim to reclaim their WAFCON crown next year.

After the match with France, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Gusau, shared a few words for women’s football stakeholders and fans in Nigeria.

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