In preparation for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nigeria,’s Senior Women National Team, the Super Falcons has suffered a 4-0 defeat to the United States Women National Team at the Mercy Park in Kansas city on Saturday evening.
It was a disappointing outing for the Nine-time African champions as they were walloped 4-0 by the four-time FIFA Women’s World Cup in a friendly match, 6000 miles away from home.
In a keenly contested affair, the Super Falcons defensive wall was knocked down in the early stages did not pay off as they suffered an early setback in the 13th minute of the game when the USWNT’s Sophia Smith struck the ball into the net to give her the host nation the lead.
Efforts to level things from Monday Gift via a long range shot proved futile. The 26th minute saw Lindsay Horan fine finish increase the tally to 2-0. Two minutes later, there was a water break, thereafter the Super Falcons team tried to reorganize themselves in other to put up a comeback against the host team.
However, the USWNT remained undeterred as they kept pushing for more. In quest to prevent the USWNT players from scoring, Ohale Osinachi was booked for a poor mistimed challenge on Smith. With the first half winding down, the shot stopper of the Super Falcons team, Nnadozie Chiamaka made several saves to keep her side in good stead but failed to stop Sophia Smith’s strike in the 45+2 minute scoring her brace for the USWNT.
Without a breakthrough during the first half of the game, the Super Falcons, had chances to fight back as they came out with an improved organisation and a couple of substitution were made to the team. Notwithstaanding, the 54th minute came with another goal for the USWNT courtsey of Alex Morgan spot kick as the Super Falcons gifted them a penalty.
The Super Falcons at the 80th minute were reduced to ten players as Ucheibe was stretched out following a rash tackle by her opponents. Nevertheless, Super Falcons Michelle Alozie was dangerous on the attack, but none of her attempts were capable of breaking the USWNT’s defence as the game ended in favour of the Americans. The United States now have a 70-game unbeaten streak on American soil – 63 wins and seven draws.
Both teams will clash again for the second leg of the game on September 6th in Washington DC.
The game will surely serve as a sore experience and exposure for the young players who are part of the squad. Both teams have already qualified for the FIFA’s Women World Cup which will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand between July and August 2023.