The Super Falcons lost their second friendly match to the United States of America in the hours of today but the Nigerian ladies produced a much improved performance.
The game in Washington, DC ended 2-1, a far better scoreline for the Super Falcons than the 4-0 loss in Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday.
Indeed it was a well-contested affair in the US capital, and the United States Women’s National Team needed an own goal to take the lead.
Tosin Demehin put the ball in her own net as she attempted to clear a cross into the Super Falcons box in the 25th minute.
The centre-back, drafted in from the U-20 Falconets to fill in for injury absences, was having an impressive game up to that point and could not have done much about the unfortunate incident.
The nine-time African champions sought to level the score before the break and they went close in the 36th minute through Michelle Alozie, whose effort from a corner kick went wide.
The equaliser and a historic moment arrived soon enough though.
Five minutes into the second half, substitute Uchenna Kanu, who plays her club football just across from the US in Mexico, netted the equaliser for the Super Falcons.
Her fine strike was the first time in 22 years the Super Falcons would be scoring against the USWNT in five meetings.
The Americans had won all seven previous fixtures between the two teams and the last time Nigeria scored in the match-ups was in a 3-1 defeat at the Olympics in 2000.
It was also the first goal the Americans would concede in 880 minutes of action.
The nine-time African champions matched their hosts after going level and it was anybody’s game from that stage as the Nigerians looked for their first-ever win against the world champions.
However, it was the USWNT who went ahead again.
Substitute Megan Rapinoe’s low cross from the left into Nigeria’s box was met by a diving header by Rosemary Lavelle in the 66th minute.
The USWNT saw the win through to maintain their 100 percent record against the Super Falcons, but the Nigerians would be buoyed by their performance as they continue preparing for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
