Nigeria’s Super Falcons got off to a brilliant start in the 2014 African Women Championship in Namibia on Saturday evening with a 4-2 win over Cote d’ Ivoire at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek.
A brace from Desire Oparanozie inspired Edwin Okon’s ladies to a comfortable win as they begin their quest for their seventh title as well as seek a place in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup billed for Canada in 2015.
The Falcons enjoyed most of the possession though they had an Ivorian side that proved to be a march for them in the physical battles, especially in midfield.
Aside the two-goal heroine, Oparanozie, Asisat Oshoala who is marking her birthday same day, was also a thorn in the flesh of the Ivorian defence as she provided the assist for Oparanozie’s second and Nigeria’s fourth goal with her blistering run down the right flank.
Marie Diakite scored an own goal off a Stella Mbachu’s cross in the 54th minute of the game but despite going down after the unfortunate goal, the Ivorians rallied to get a goal back almost immediately to reduce the arrears at that stage. It was 3-2 but then Oparanozie scored a back-breaking goal as the match peters away to set the tone for a great outing at the 9th edition of the Championship.
The Falcons will play against Zambia on Tuesday. Hosts Namibia won the Championship’s opening game 2-0 against Zambia.
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