Oparanozie, Ebi, Echegini score as Super Falcons pummel Women's World Cup co-host New Zealand

Oparanozie, Ebi, Echegini score as Super Falcons pummel Women's World Cup co-host New Zealand

Jidechi Chidiezie 16:03 - 11.04.2023

The Super Falcons will in July and August, participate alongside 31 other nations at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Nigeria's Super Falcons have continued their fine form ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, securing a 3-0 victory over New Zealand in an international friendly.

The friendly, played at the Mardan Stadyum in Antalya, Turkey, is a part of Nigeria's preparations for the world tournament scheduled to kick off in July.

https://twitter.com/NGSuper_Falcons/status/1645803524440342540?s=20

How it happened

The Super Falcons headed into the game on the back of a 2-1 victory over Haiti, last Friday.

For Tuesday's encounter against the 2023 Women's World Cup co-hosts, coach Randy Waldrum maintained the same 11 players that started against Haiti, with Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade featuring.

https://twitter.com/NGSuper_Falcons/status/1645761687725670400?s=20

New Zealand's Ferns started the game on the brighter side, but goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie pulled off saves to deny the Island nation an early lead.

Nigeria's first attempt in the game came off Ajibade in the 21st minute of the game, but her attempt narrowly missed the goal. Twelve minutes later, Onome Ebi gave the Super Falcons the lead with a header off a corner kick.

The second half saw Waldrum's team start the game early, with Jennifer Onyi Echegini getting onto the end of Michelle Alozie's cross to double the lead.

After coming on as a substitute for Esther Okoronkwo in the 50th minute, it took Desire Oparanozie 44 minutes to put her name on the scoresheet, finishing finely with virtually the last kick of the game.

What next?

The team will look to continue their preparations ahead of the world tournament kicking off on July 20.

Nigeria are drawn in Group B alongside co-hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada and the Republic of Ireland.

The tournament in Australia and New Zealand will be the Super Falcons' ninth appearance - an appearance record being shared with the United States, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Brazil, and Japan.

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