Nigeria’s Super Falcons fell 2-1 to France’s Les Bleues in a competitive international friendly at Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers on Saturday night.
Despite missing key players Rasheedat Ajibade and Oluwatosin Demehin due to injuries, the nine-time African champions gave a spirited performance.
France opened the scoring in the 29th minute through Eugénie Le Sommer, who netted her 94th international goal. Amel Majri doubled the lead eight minutes later, slotting past stand-in captain and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The highlight for Nigeria came in first-half stoppage time. Gift Monday’s clearance from a French corner set up Ifeoma Onumonu, who scored Nigeria’s first-ever goal against France.
The Super Falcons fought hard in the second half. Nnadozie made several crucial saves, while Sikiratu Isah forced a fine stop from French goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin with a powerful volley. Late chances from Christy Ucheibe and Isah nearly levelled the score.
Though defeated, Nigeria’s performance was commendable, showing determination and resilience against a strong French side.
The team is expected to take valuable lessons into future games.
