Falcons begin AWC with Cote d’Ivoire victory

Super Falcons of Nigeria began their African Women’s Championship campaign with a 4-2 win over Ivory Coast at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday evening.

The win in their opening game at the 9th edition of the Africa Women’s Championship in Windhoek, Namibia, ensured that Nigeria maintained a 23-year-old record over their West African rival.

The female national team has never lost an opening game at the biennial event and Saturday’s win helped them top the group.

The goal rain started in the 12th minute when Ngozi Okobi orchestrated a good run into the box to beat the Ivorian defence and sent a through pass to Esther Sunday who slotted home to give the Super Falcons an early lead.

But Les Elephantes mounted an attack that eventually saw Onome Ebi bring down Rebecca Elloh in the box.

Fatou Coulibaly Tiegnou converted from the spot, sending Precious Dede to the wrong side to level the score.

Unfortunately, defender Mariam Diakite scored an own goal nine minutes into the second half to give the six-time champions a 2-1 lead.

Desire Oparanozie made it 3-1 but Christine Lohoues Yeble pulled one back for the Ivorians.

The introduction of Perpetua Nkwocha changed the game as Opranozie netted her second in the 87th minute to ensure victory for the Super Falcons.

Nigeria lead Group A with three points and a better goal difference than second-placed Namibia, who earlier defeated Zambia 2-0 in the opening game of the tournament.

Ivory Coast are third while Zambia sit fourth with zero point.

Falcons starting lineup:

Precious Dede, Evelyn Nwabuoku (c), Ebere Ngozi, Osinachi Ohale, Onome Ebi, Onyinyechi Ohadugha, Cecilia Nku, Ngozi Okobi, Esther Sunday, Desire Oparanozie, Asisat Oshoala