Women’s World Cup 2019: Super Falcons Lose to Norway

Nigeria suffered a 3-0 defeat to Norway in their first Group A game of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France on Saturday night.

All the goals came from the first half of the game at the Stade Auguite Delaune in Reims.

The Super Falcons matched their opponents in the early minutes of the opening stanza with several probing early runs.

Faith Michael created some space for herself near the six-yard area, but the striker rifled her effort into the side-netting.

Utland was the first to test the agility of Oluehi in Nigeria’s goals; the River Angels gaolie was required to tip over the midfielder’s stinging effort from 25 metres in the 10th minute.

Nigeria allowed themselves to go behind in the 17^th minute, allowing Barcelona winger Caroline Graham Hansen to do a mazy run from a short corner before finding Reiten, who duly converted.

Asisat Oshoala gave the Norwegians a bit of scare when her free-kick sailed narrowly past Hjelmseth’s upright midway through the half.

Norway fans were in full voice on 34^th minute when Lisa-Marie Karlseng Utland powered home inside the box, blasting beyond Oluehi, who really should have done better.

Things got worst for the Super Falcons three minutes later when centre-back Osinachi Ohale put the ball into her own net.

The match reached half-time at 3-0, but Falcons came out of the dressing-rooms with more confidence and intent.

Nonetheless, Norway continued to apply all the pressure with Reitin particularly lively and she saw another thunderous drive this time fly over the bar.

Just before that Haavi saw her effort come back off the post as Falcon battled to contain the Grasshoppers.

Nigeria had a rare chance with 17 minutes remaining as Asisat Oshoala scuffed her shot from six-yards, allowing Hjelmseth to make a good low save.

Maanun went down after bursting into the box for Norway in injury-time, but rightly was booked for simulation as replays showed there was no contact with the defender.

Nigeria will now look to get a more positive result when they take on South Korea in their next game on Wednesday at the Stade des Alpes, Grenoble.