Nigeria Super Falcons have failed to make it past the round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup (FIFAWWC) in France following a 3-0 defeat to Germany.
The Super Falcons started brightly having made three changes to the starting line up with Evelyn Nwabuoku replacing the suspended Ngozi Ebere while Uchenna Kanu slotted in midfield also for the suspended Rita Chikwelu as Chiwendu Ihezuo made her first appearance in place of the injured Asisat Oshoala.
Germany however soon got into their groove bossing the game and dictating proceedings as Nigeria characteristically like we’ve seen all tournament long failed to string passes together and hold on to possession.
It was not long before Nigeria conceded two goals within 7minutes as Alexandra Poop gave the Germans the lead with a good header from a corner kick and added another from the spot after a penalty was awarded in their favour following a foul by Evelyn Nwabuoku in the 18 yard-box which was converted by Sara Dabritz.
Suprisingly, the Super Falcons began to play better and keep the ball in the closing stages of the first half and could have pulled a goal back but captain Desire Oparanozie failed to convert after a good square ball from Francisca Ordega.
In the second half, Rasheedat Ajibade came on for Evelyn Nwabuoku as the Super Falcons picked up from where they left off in the first period.
Substitute Ajibade made her presence felt almost immediately with a good run down the left wing of Nigeria’s attack but again, Oparanozie couldn’t convert her square ball across goal in what was Nigeria’s best chance of the game.
Nigeria kept creating half chances but were indecisive in the final third and in some other occasions couldn’t find the final ball despite getting more possession and control compared to the first half.
The Germans where however content with cutting out Nigeria’s attack and launching the ball forward behind the Nigerian defence and this soon paid off as they got a third in the 82nd minute to finally ensure that any hope of a comeback was met with great resistance.
Having failed to get the desired result against Germany, the Super Falcons have been knocked out with the two time Champions progressing to the quarter-final in their stead.
