France 2019: Super Falcons defeat Romania in Wuhua

The Super Falcons of Nigeria bounced back from the opening match defeat to China in spectacular fashion inflicting a 4-1 defeat on Romania in Wuhua, China.

The reigning African champions lost by three goals to hosts of the four-nation invitational tournament in Wuhua, China on Thursday but showed great resolve to come back against Romania on Sunday morning to clinch third place.

Featuring a different line-up from the one which bowed to China, Thomas Dennerby introduced the quartet of Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal, Alice Ogebe, Rasheedat Ajibade and Francisca Ordega.

As expected the Super Falcons got off to a fast start mounting pressure on the Romanian defence but couldn’t find the breakthrough. The goal however came in the 44th minute through Chiwendu Ihezuo as the Falcons went into the break with a much deserved lead.

Romania then mounted pressure early on in the second half to level the score but the Super Falcons soon regained the lead through Onome Ebi before captain of the day, Rita Chikwelu added another to make 3-1.

In the closing stages if the game the most recent addition to the squad, In Umotong of Brighton and Have Albion scored her debut goal for the Falcons as the African champions ran out 4-1 winners in Wuhua.

Also in preparation for the World Cup in France later this year, Banyana Banyana of South Africa lost 2-1 to the Netherlands in a friendly match on Saturday afternoon.

Reigning African Women’s Player of the Year, Thembi Kgatlana grabbed the consolation goal after her team fell behind by two goals in the opening twenty minutes. Her goal was however not enough to prevent the South Africans from defeat.

Still on the World Cup preparations Nigeria’s Group A opponent, Le Bleues of France defeated reigning champions, USA 3-1 as they gear up to host the 8th edition of the tournament in June.

Next up for the Super Falcons is the Cyprus Women’s Invitational Tournament in February as preparation for the World Cup intensifies.