Team USA beats hard-fighting Falcons 2-1

Nigeria’s Super Falcons were beaten 2-1 by World Champions Team USA in their second friendly encounter Wednesday morning at the Audi Field in Washington.

Randy Waldrum’s team had been walloped 4-0 by the same USA team on Saturday evening in the first leg of their USA tour.

The Falcons had been able to hold their more illustrious hosts at bay but unfortunately Blessing Demehin conceded an own goal in the 25th minute to hand The Stars and Stripes the lead.

Substitute Uchenna Kanu restored parity for the Nigerians in the 50th minute when her curling effort off an assist from Glory Ogbonna at the edge of the box left the USA keeper stranded.

In the 66th minute, Rapinoe found Rose Lavelle whose brave header saw the ball bobble past a hitherto well positioned Chiamaka Nnadozie who this time was badly exposed.

Both sides had their moments afterwards to punish the carelessness of their rivals but it ended 2-1 in favour of the United States.

A successful September window ☑️#USAvNGA x @Allstate pic.twitter.com/TPO86MSKL4

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 7, 2022

It was the first goal conceded by the Americans in 2022, but the Nigerians can now prepare better for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.