Nigeria Super Falcons started their WAFU Women’s Championship campaign with a 5-1 victory over Burkina Faso on Thursday in Abidjan.
The Nigerian side had an average start and struggled with making good passes, but found their rhythm in the 12th minute when Uchenna Kanu found the back of the net.
Burkinabes’ timid attempt to score an equalizer was strongly opposed by the Super Falcons, who soon besieged the opposing box.
In the 19 minutes, Burkina Faso’s Salimata Simpore was red carded after conceding a penalty that was converted by Nwabuoku Evelyn.
The Falcons’ organised attack at their opponent resulted in another penalty executed by Amarachi Grace Okoronkwo in the 22nd minute.
Nigeria continued the second half just as they left off in the first, with Uchenna getting her second after a goalmouth scramble.
The unstoppable Uchenna claimed a hat trick when she outsmarted goal keeper Kounda Zenabou to take Nigeria’s lead to 5-0. However, Charlotte Millogo got Burkina Faso’s consolation after converting a free kick to end the game 5-1.
The Super Falcons are in Group B alongside Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger and are hoping to win the competition after finishing third in the last edition.
Nigeria will face Niger on Saturday.
