China Wallop Super Falcons 3-0 In Four-nation Contest

Nigeria’s female national team, Super Falcons failed to hold their own on Thursday against China, as they lost 3-0 to their hosts in a four-nation invitational competition.

Sports247.ng gathered that it was smooth sailing all the way for the Chinese squad, as their opponents lack enough fire power up front, due to the absences of Asisat Oshoala and Desire Oparanozie.

In spite of the presence of other reliable lasses like Halimat Ayinde, Onome Ebi, Rita Chikwelu and Ngozi Okobi, Thomas Dennerby’s side failed to rise to the occasion at Meizhou Olympics Sports Centre.

China were in front after just ten minutes, as Zhang Rui beat Tochukwu Oluehi in goal for the nine-time African champions, while Okobi effort for an equalizer for Nigeria went narrowly wide 15 minutes later.

Oluehi stood tall again to keep the scoreline low, while Dennerby sent on Brighton of England striker, Ini Umotong in place of a Chikwelu in the 61st minute to provide some spark upfront.

However, China scored their second goal moments later, after Wang Shuang’s pass saw Li Ying produce another terrific finish.

Lou Jiahui hit the crossbar with a header from a cross by Li Ying and Ebi denied Wang Shangshan with a vital block seven minutes from time.

Nonetheless, there was still time for Li Ying to bag a brace, finishing at the far post after she was picked out by Wu Chengshu.

The defeat means Nigeria will now have to battle for this place against Romania, who lost 3-0 to South Korea in the first game and China will face their fellow-Asians n the final.

Denerby will hope for a consolation bronze medal from the competition that marks the start of preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, where the Falcons will face Norway, South Korea and the hosts.