Super Falcons thrash World Cup co-host New Zealand in friendly

Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated New Zealand 3-0 in their second game in the preparatory tourney ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Randy Waldrum-led team was ruthless in dispatching the World Cup co-hosts at the Emir Sports Complex, Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday.

This would be the Falcons’ third consecutive win after defeating Haiti in the first game of the tourney and a victory over Costa Rica, which ended their seven-match winless run.

Nigeria’s first goal of the rout came from an unlikely source. Onome Ebi rose precisely from a cross to head home Falcons’ opener in the 34th minute.

FULL TIME! in Antalya 📍

🇳🇬Nigeria 3-0 New Zealand 🇳🇿

⚽@EBIONOME 34'
⚽ Jennifer Echegini 48'
⚽ @oparanozie9 94'

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We wrapped up in styles our international camp in Antalya 📍#SoarSuperFalcons| #NGANZL| #TeamNigeria| #FIFAWWCPrep @thenff

— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) April 11, 2023

The 39-year-old defender justified her inclusion in the squad following the heavy criticism in recent months.

Jennifer Onyi Echegini doubled Nigeria’s lead in the second half. She made a darting run into the New Zealand goal area to knock a tap-in past Victoria Esson off Michelle Alozie’s cross.

Desire Oparanozie wrapped up the impressive performance with the third goal deep in added time. The goal was a statement of intent from the 29-year-old who only recently returned to the squad in May 2022.

The friendlies are meant to prepare the players for the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July.

Falcons are in Group B alongside Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland.