Julius OkorieSuper Falcons on Saturday night failed in their attempt to break losing jinx against France women national team otherwise called Les Bleues.
Falcons led by interim coach, Justine Madugu, lost 2-1 to France with Ifeoma Onumonu getting the consolation goal for Falcons at the end of the first 45minutes.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe French ladies had shot into the lead through Eugénie Le Sommer in the 29th minute. Amel Majri increased the tally in the 38th minute and the team held on to their lead before Onumonu delivered her strike that put smiles on the faces of her mates and the technical team. The goal was not just any goal but historical one, as it is Nigeria’s first-ever goal against the French at this level.
Onumonu’s goal raised hope that the game may as well be heading to a draw, especially with increased pressure coming from the Super Falcons.
Head Coach, Justine Madagu, introduced Rinsola Babajide in the second half in search of an equaliser, but that was not to be as the home side held their ground and protected their lead to the end of 90 minutes at the Stade Raymond Kopa in the city of Angers.
The French team had earlier jubilated over a 9th minute goal when Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored but it was ruled offside before Eugénie Le Sommer eventually grabbed what turned out to be their first goal 20 minutes later.
Despite losing the tie, the match was a positive one for the Falcons who have been drawn against Algeria, Tunisia and Botswana at the African Women Nations Cup (WAFCON) next year in Morocco.
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Prior to Saturday’s friendly Falcons had also register good outings in double header against Algeria running away with 2-0 and 4-1 victories respectively
Falcons received the pat on the back for their performance despite the loss but also pointed out some of the weak sides of the team.
Chukwudi Israel 🇷🇺🇮🇱🇨🇦🇳🇿👌 @Easyin60seconds “Considering who they played, I mean we are talking about France here, one of the best teams in women soccer, who used their complete, full squad, naija girls really tried”
Kayode @KayodeOgun5 Said “Coach needs to work on their passes. Too many balls went astray from poor passes. They also need to work on their pressing which was the key advantage the French had over them today. The positive is that there is a lot of room for improvement. Well done girls”
Professor (OLUWAGBEMINIYI) @JinaduMichealO in his submission said “We Did Well 👏🏾 Well-done TEAM,Of course there’s always room for improvement, but Today was a Great Show”
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
