Falcons Beat Haiti 2-1 In Pre-World Cup Tourney
The Super Falcons beat Haiti 2-1 on Friday at Emir Sports Complex, Antalya, Turkey as the team continues their preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Head coach Randy Waldrum made four changes to the team that defeated Costa Rica 1-0 at the maiden Revelation Cup in Mexico last month as Chiamaka Nnadozie, Halimat Ayinde, Onome Ebi, and Asisat Oshoala replaced Yetunde Balogun, Osinachi Ohale, Christy Ucheibe, and Ifeoma Onumonu.
Haitian coach, Nicolas Delepine, was dealt a heavy blow after centre-back Tabita Dougenie Joseph was ruled out of the encounter just before the kick-off.
The Falcons started the game brightly and 22 minutes into the encounter, Barcelona star Oshoala thought she had given the nine-time African Champions the lead but saw the goal correctly ruled out for offside.
Four minutes later, Rasheedat Ajibade almost gave the Falcons the lead they deserve but her brilliant effort hit the woodwork as the search for the opening goal continues.
Just five minutes before the break, the nine-time African champions finally broke the deadlock when Saint Etienne forward, Esther Okoronkwo, superbly taken left-footed free-kick found its way into the back of the net to give the Falcons the lead heading into the break.
The Falcons continued the second half with so much hunger and they doubled their lead through returnee Oshoala in the 58th minute.
The Barcelona striker was the quickest to react as the Haitian defence failed to clear their line from a corner kick.
The two-goal conceded spurred the World Cup debutants to life as they came out in search of goals but Nnadozie was up to the task as she denied the Haitian couple of goal chances.
There was a loud applaud as Desire Oparanozie made her long-awaited return to the team after she replaced Okoronkwo in the 65th minute, while Christy Ucheibe also replaced Ebi in the 73rd minute.
Waldrum’s side took their legs off the pedal and the Caribbeans pulled a goal back in the 75th minute to deny the Paris FC goalkeeper a clean sheet.
Haiti continued to search for the equaliser but Nigeria hold on for another win ahead of Tuesday’s clash with World Cup co-host, New Zealand.
Waldrum’s side will take the win into next Tuesday’s encounter hoping to extend its unbeaten run to three games against World Cup co-host.
