Super Falcons of Nigeria lost their opening game of the ongoing 2021 international invitational tournament match.
The reigning African Women’s Champions were beaten 1-0 by Jamaica at the BBVA Stadium on Thursday night.
Deneisha Blackwood scored the only goal of the game in the second half to hand the Randy Waldrum’s side their first defeat in 2021.
Falcons came into the match at the back of their impressive outing in the Turkish cup back in February, but absence of some key players mean they couldn’t compete well against the Jamaicans.
Fransisca Ordega captained the team in the absence of Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala armband on a day the likes of Oluwatosin Dimehin, Onyinyechi Zogg, Roosa Ariyo and Vivian Ikechukwu were making their debut for the Nigeria.
Despite missing key players, the Nigeria almost drew the forest blood in when debutant Vivian Ikechukwu forced goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer to a good save in the third minute.
In the 29th minute, the Raggae Girls had the chance to take the lead from the spot after Glory Ogbonna was adjudged to have committed a foul inside the box, but but a bravery stop from goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi off Blackwood kept the scores the same.
Both team however went into the half time break with nothing to separate them.
Jamaica settled quickly into the second half and deservedly took the lead in the 51st minute.
Blackwood who missed penalty in the first half made up for her miss when whe was she beat Tochukwu Oluehi with a sumptuous strike.
Nigeria pushed for an equaliser, but the Jamaicans defended their slim advantage and held on for an important victory.
The defeat was Randy Waldrum’s since he took over West African nation from Thomas Dennerby.
The team have to chance to redeem themselves against Portugal in their second match at the same venue on Sunday.
COMMENTS