Nigeria’s Super Falcons fell to a 3-0 defeat to the European super power, Norway at the Stade Auguite Delaune, Reims in their first Group A game at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France on Saturday night.
The African champions matched the Europeans early on and were unlucky to went behind in the 17th minute courtesy of Guro Reiten deflected shot.
Thomas Dennerby’s ladies kept their composure despite the setback and created a number of half chances.
Norway doubled the advantage four minutes after the half hour mark through Karsleng Utland.
Utland fired the ball home after she was set up by the lively Reiten.
Things got worst for the Super Falcons three minutes later when centre-back Osinachi Ohale put the ball into her own net
The West Africans did up their game after the break but were dealt another blow just five minutes into the half when Sarah Micheal picked up what looked like a serious injury and had to be replaced by Gladys Okeke.
Asisat Oshoala missed a glorious chance to half the deficit for Nigeria with 20 minutes remaining on the clock but instead the Barcelona Ladies forward shot wide after dribbling past the Norwegian goalkeeper.
Despite a period of sustained pressure, the Super Falcons were unable to get a goal in the game.
Host nation, France, lead Group A after matchdau-one games following their 4-0 win against Korea Republic on Friday. Norway are second, on three points too, but with fewer goal difference. Nigeria are in the third position without any point, while Korea Republic are fourth.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria will now look to get a more positive result when they take on South Korea in their next game on Wednesday at the Stade des Alpes, Grenoble.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
