Nigeria’s Senior Women National Team, the Super Falcons for the second time suffered defeat to the United States Women National Team as they were beaten 2-1 at the Audi Field, Washington DC on Wednesday morning.
It was certainly not the result expected from the Nigerian National Team but the 20-year-long scoreless streak against the USWNT came to an end with the Super Falcons putting in a goal.
Despite the 4-0 loss to the USWNT at Kansas City last Friday, the Nine-time African champions, in their second friendly encounter put up a more impressive performance against four-time- champions.
In a very shrewd performance, the early part of the game came with threats from the host team but, our defensive wall rose to the occasion of tackling every perceived threat.
The Super Falcons made deliberate efforts and had a fine start with long passes into the US area from the Nigerian players which showed organisation and keen efforts to hurt the US team. Though, the chances we got were easily gathered by the US team keeper, and so did Nnadozie Chiamaka the ever-reliable shot-stopper of the Falcons get fine saves to halt the American attackers.
25 minutes into the games, the pouring attacks of the host set in confusion as Demehin’s own goal put Americans in a 1-0 lead. Chances from the corner and long-range efforts from the Falcons Echigini and Alozie proved futile as the first half went out.
The Falcons who are known to always fight back came back on for the second half with a solid and enterprising opening as the contest began with a chance for Nigeria although, Rasheedat couldn’t connect for a tap-in to get a goal. Just at the 49th-minute substitute, Ucheibe levelled up for all the lost chances with a fine strike that got the Super Falcons a 1-1 equaliser.
With so much hope rising for the Nigerian team and attackers pressing high, the team came close to yet another chance to get a goal but the shot went wide range and at the 67th minute we went behind as Rose Lavelle’s header was superb and got the Americans 2-1 up.
At this point, the USWNT strengthened their first defence wall to deflect every effort made by the Super Falcons though, we pushed in search of a late breakthrough even with added time but it ended with 2-1 in favour of the host as The Nigerian Team took away rest lessons and positives.
Asides from the win, History took place as the USWNT signed their first agreement with US SOCCER establishing equal pay for both US Women and Men National team players.
