The Super Falcons of Nigeria narrowly lost 2-1 to France in an international friendly game played in Angers on Saturday night, Afrosport reports.
Les Bleus got off to an enterprising start and put the ball in the back of the net in the seventh minute through Marie-Antoinette Katoto, but her effort was correctly ruled out for offside.
France would eventually draw the first blood in the 29th minute when Eugenie Claudine Le Sommer scored her 94th international goal on her 197th appearance.
They soon doubled the lead through Tunisia-born Amel Majri who got the ball beyond goalkeeper and stand-in captain, Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The Super Falcons who missed six-time African Footballer of the year Asisat Oshoala, captain Rasheedat Ajibade and defender Oluwatosin Demehin, however halved the deficit before half-time when Montpellier forward Ifeoma Onumonu dispatched beautifully after receiving a pass from Gift Monday.
Nigeria created chances in the second half and went close to scoring through defender Sikiratu Isah, but her volley was tipped behind the goalpost by goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.
Christy Ucheibe also could not get her direction right when sweeping the ball from a cross from the right and watched as it floated wide.
🏁 FULL TIME! in Angers 📍
France 🇨🇵 2-1 Nigeria 🇳🇬
Le Sommer 29′ (1-0)
Amel Majri 38′ (2-0)Ifeoma Onumonu 45′ (2-1))
Gallant display by the ladies and remarkable netting first ever goal against the French#SoarSuperFalcons | #FRANGA| @thenff pic.twitter.com/n1KxlzIhin
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) November 30, 2024
France also has opportunities, but Paris FC shot stopper Nnadozie made a few saves to ensure that the scoreline was respectable at full time.
