By Victor Kanayo
The Super Falcons of Nigeria on Friday April 7, 2023 defeated Haiti 2-1 in an international friendly match in Turkey.
The match is a continuation to their build-up to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The game is first in the current FIFA window for women, the next being on Tuesday April 11 against New Zealand.
The victory for Nigeria, followed six, consecutive defeats, the Super Falcons side suffered before bouncing back to winning ways in the revelation cup played in Mexico against Costa Rica last month.
How Nigeria toppled Haiti
Playing against World Cup debutant Haiti, the nine-time African champions proved to be the better side with a 2-1 victory in Antalya, Turkey.
The African side dominated the game from the blast of the whistle and they had the ball in the net in the 22nd minute through FC Barcelona Feminine forward, Asisat Oshoala, but it was disallowed.
They finally got their breakthrough in the 40th minute through Esther Okronkwo with a sublime freekick.
Atletico Madrid Feminine Attacker Rasheedat Ajibade, almost doubled the Nigerian lead in the 45th minute but the goalkeeper did enough to keep the ball out, as the first stanza ended in favour of Nigeria.
Super Falcons continued their domination in the second half and it quickly paid off in the 58th minute, as Oshoala made it 2-0 for Nigeria through a goal-mouth scramble.
Desire Oparanozie, made her comeback in the 65th minute, as she came in for Okronkwo, as goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made a stunning save in the 72nd minute.
The Haitians got their goal in the 75th minute, after Falcons defenders failed to clear their lines.
Nigeria will be on parade when this year’s Women’s World Cup kick-off on July 20.
