Nigeria defeat New Zealand 3-0 in Friendly

Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated New Zealand 3-0 in their second game in the preparatory tourney ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Randy Waldrum-led team dispatched the World Cup co-hosts at the Emir Sports Complex, Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday.

Desire Oparanozie scored her first goal in four years for Nigeria to help the Super Falcons seal a dominant 3-0 win over New Zealand in a friendly game.

A very open first half hour saw both teams focus on attacking each other’s danger areas with long balls over the top.

Chances were few and far between, though, with Nigeria’s best chance falling to striker Asisat Oshoala.

The Barcelona ace did everything right but her low shot was deflected behind for a corner kick.

The Falcons took the lead from the dead ball situation when Toni Payne floated an inch-perfect cross to the back post where veteran skipper Onome Ebi was on hand to head it into the net.

It was the 39-year-old’s first goal for Nigeria since 2019 and her third in the green and white colours.

Nigeria’s confidence grew after that goal that saw them rewarded three minutes into the second half with another goal to double their advantage.

Fullback Michelle Alozie had been one of Nigeria’s best players in the match and she delivered an inch-perfect cross for Echegini to slam home for her first Falcons goal.

The Super Falcons lost a bit of their attacking edge with the withdrawal of Asisat Oshoala but the team showed defensive solidity to keep the clean sheet and secure their third win of 2023.

Emmanuel Ukoh