The Super Falcons’ preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup continued on a bad note with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia at Estadio Leon in the Revelation Cup on Saturday.
The match marked their seventh consecutive defeat and their second in the four-nation tournament in Mexico.
The Nigerian ladies were 1-0 losers in their previous Revelation Cup game against the host nation at the same venue, and went behind again in the ninth minute, when Linda Caicedo gave Colombia the lead.
Randy Waldrum’s side tried to force a way back in the first half via Toni Payne and Rasheedat Ajibade, but their efforts were easily dealt with by Colombia goalkeeper Katherine Tapia.
The Colombian ladies looked more threatening in the second half and Nigeria number one Chiamaka Nnadozie had to be on high alert to keep out the danger on three occasions, particularly in the 70th minute when she denied Valencia forward Ivonne Chacon from six yards.
Ajibade tried to get Nigeria the equaliser from close range seven minutes from time but was denied by the alert Colombian defence.
FULL TIME' in Leon|
Not the result we desired, but the experience and lessons learnt will be useful in coming outings
Nigeria 🇳🇬 0-1 Colombia 🇨🇴#SoarSuperFalcons|#FIFAWWCprep| #Team9jastrong| #RevelationsCup| #NGACOL
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) February 18, 2023
Nigeria have not tasted victory since their 1-0 quarter-final victory over neighbours Cameroon at the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations, losing to Morocco, Zambia, the United States, Japan and Mexico, and scoring only two goals in that run.
Saturday’s result mounts more pressure on coach Waldrum as fans back home are eager to see the Falcons impress when the Women’s World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand on July 20.
Next up is their final game in the Revelation Cup against Costa Rica on Tuesday at Estadio Leon.
