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The Nigerian women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, suffered a 2-1 loss to France’s Les Bleues in a friendly match on Saturday night at the Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, France.
The Falcons could not overcome the powerful 10th ranked in the world French side.
France dominated much of the game, with Eugénie Le Sommer opening the scoring in the 29th minute. Just eight minutes later, Amel Majri doubled the lead, putting the Super Falcons on the back foot.
However, Nigeria responded shortly before halftime, with Ifeoma Onumonu making history by scoring the first-ever goal for the Super Falcons against France.
Onumonu capitalized on a counter-attack after France failed to convert a corner kick, sprinting from her own half and finishing coolly past the French goalkeeper.
The goal, which came in the dying moments of the first half, was a rare bright spot in an otherwise tough game for the Super Falcons, who were missing key players like captain Rasheedat Ajibade, African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala, and defender Olamide Demehin.
Their absence left Nigeria struggling for cohesion, especially in the first half, as France controlled possession and forced Nigeria into defensive errors with a high press.
The second half saw a more balanced contest, with both teams creating chances, but no additional goals were scored.
However, the match ended on a sour note for Nigeria when veteran defender Osinachi Ohale was sent off in the final stages after receiving two yellow cards, the second of which resulted in a red card.
It was the first red card of her 14-year international career.
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was one of Nigeria’s standout performers, making several key saves to keep the scoreline from being more one-sided.
Her outstanding performance and saves, along with Onumonu’s goal, provided some optimism for head coach Justin Madugu, who praised his team’s determination despite the loss.
The defeat marks Nigeria’s fourth consecutive loss to France, but the Super Falcons will take heart from their spirited display.
With the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on the horizon, Madugu and his squad will look to build on the lessons learned from this encounter.
Overall, in 2024, the Super Falcons have played 10 matches, winning four, drawing two, and losing four, a record they will be eager to improve as they aim to reclaim their WAFCON crown next year.
